1.10 General Remarks

Understanding the physics of ultrasound and how ultrasound imaging works is the foundation of echocardiography. This includes the phenomena one encounters when using the technique and helps us to optimize the image. Certainly it is more fun to deal with the heart and its pathologies. When starting to work with echocardiography we have the urge to immediately start investigating patients. However, keep in mind the fact that you should know what happens when you are turning the knobs on the machine. Once you are familiar with your "cockpit" and the conditions around you, you will become a competent pilot.