Course Overview
Cardiac Sonography 1 integrates anatomy, the cardiac cycle, and hemodynamics with sonographic principles in the imaging of the heart. Common electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythms are introduced. The focus of this course is on the assessment and interpretation of patterns in the normal heart as seen with 2-dimensional and M-mode imaging. Color and pulsed wave Doppler are introduced. Theory learned in this course will be integrated with on-campus guided laboratory practice sessions.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the theory component of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the anatomy and spatial relationships of the heart and major vessels.
- Correlate valve and chamber movement with the cardiac cycle.
- Given an ECG strip, list the components of normal sinus rhythm, interpret, and respond to both common and life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Describe the requisite protocols, images and cine-loops required for a complete echocardiogram.
- Identify normal anatomy and distinguish normal variants from pathology on ultrasound.
- Evaluate ultrasound images for quality.
- Given an image or cine, identify appropriate technical adjustments required to improve image quality.
- Measure cardiac structures on 2D and m-mode images and define the normal values.
- Describe image orientation and the roles of team members during a transesophageal echocardiography.
- Describe the complete real time imaging assessment, Doppler and measurement techniques (when applicable) of the structures of interest: cardiac position, chest and thorax, coronary vessels, hepatic veins, outflow tracts, pulmonary veins, wall layers and segments, aorta (root, ascending, arch and branches, descending), pulmonary artery (main PA and its bifurcation), all 4 cardiac chambers and appendages, IAS, IVS, all cardiac valves, MV/TV annulus, IVC and SVC.
Effective as of Winter 2027
Related Programs
Cardiac Sonography Theory 1 (DSON 5011) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Health Sciences
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Cardiac
Advanced Diploma Full-time
- Sonography (Cardiac Option)
Advanced Diploma Full-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.