The value of echocardiography in older patients.

Many of the diseases for which echocardiography has proved to be of value are not common in geriatric patients. In addition, adequate echocardiographic examination is technically difficult in this group of patients. However, despite these facts, echocardiography is most helpful in several specific situations in older patients. These patients often are brittle, have multiple problems, and obviously should not be subjected to an extensive or a hazardous examination. In this regard, echocardiography is ideal, as it causes no discomfort or hazard to the patient. As the indications for this technique increase, it may be used more extensively as a diagnostic tool in elderly patients.