What is the preferred approach to assess cardiac structure and function?
Resting 2-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler echocardiography is the preferred approach because it provides a thorough assessment of all aspects of cardiac structure and function, including identifying the mechanism of heart failure and differentiating systolic LV from diastolic dysfunction. Rest imaging also can provide valuable therapeutic guidance and prognostic information in patients without symptoms or signs of ventricular dysfunction or changing clinical status, especially in those with evidence of other forms of heart disease (eg, hypertensive, valvular).