[Role of echocardiography in cardiac insufficiency]

Several clinical cases are presented showing that Echocardiography (M-mode, 2D and Doppler) may give us a complete picture of the heart anatomy and the physiopathology associated with heart failure, as well as the functional status of the left ventricle. With this useful information (presence, location and degree of the abnormality) that can be obtained at bedside in a non-invasive way, the cardiologist may take, without delay, the most correct therapeutic choice (surgical and/or medical). Echocardiography should be used as a first line diagnostic test (after ECG and Chest X Ray) in all patients presenting with heart failure.