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Echo (Echocardiography)

Also known as Echocardiogram, Color Doppler Echo, 2D Echo

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

4-48 hours

Test Preparation

Remove any metal objects that may interfere with the electrodes. Inform the technician if you have a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your chest area, and avoid using oils, lotions, or creams on your chest area on the test day.
Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) before the test.

Understanding Echo (Echocardiography)

What is Echo (Echocardiography)?

The Echo (Echocardiography) is a painless, noninvasive imaging test that produces high-frequency sound images of the heart and blood vessels. It diagnoses various heart conditions by visualizing the structures of the heart as well as blood circulation and guides treatment.

The Echo (Echocardiography) examines the structure and working of the heart to determine the overall function of the heart, examine the impact of heart diseases, and assist doctors in treatment strategies. During Echo, a clear gel is applied on the chest by a healthcare professional. A hand-held device (transducer) is used to send and receive sound waves, which creates pictures of the heart and structures related to the heart on a screen. Examining these images, doctors are able to detect and track various cardiac conditions. These may include heart valve disorders, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and pericardial effusions.

The test is often advised when symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, or palpitations appear. It also tracks people who have a known heart condition, observes the response to treatment, or examines for complications after surgery. The test also examines heart functioning after a heart attack or surgery.

Remove any metal devices on the body that could affect the electrodes for the echo test. Inform the doctor or technician if there is a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices in the body. Wearing comfortable clothing with easy access to the chest region and not applying oils, lotions, or creams on the chest region on test day are recommended. Also, do not drink excessive amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) prior to the test.

Interpretation of Echo (Echocardiography) results requires professional expertise. Therefore, it is essential to consult the doctor to understand the implications of the Echo (Echocardiography) findings.

Disclaimer: You must visit your nearest Tata 1mg partnered lab facility for radiology tests.

What is Echo (Echocardiography) used for?

The Echo (Echocardiography) test is done:

To assess the overall health of the heart and its structures.
To identify heart diseases like valve disease, congenital heart disease, defects in the chambers and valves of the heart, and heart failure.
To find out the reason behind symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or abnormal heartbeats that may be an indication of a problem in the heart.
To assess heart function to find out how well the heart is pumping blood and how effectively it operates.
To check for response to treatment in known heart conditions.
To assess the performance of the heart after heart attack or heart surgery.

What does Echo (Echocardiography) measure?

The Echo (Echocardiography) is a radiology procedure utilizing ultrasound technology to visualize the heart and related structures. It helps in evaluating the overall function of the heart. The test measures the size, shape, and motion of the heart's chambers and valves and blood circulation through the heart. It assists in the identification of abnormalities such as disorders of the valves, heart muscle disease, fluid around the heart, and other structural problems. By capturing real time images of the heart, echo gives insights into the heart's overall health and helps doctors formulate effective treatment plans.

The machine for the echo test contains a computer console, video monitor, and a handheld transducer. The transducer is positioned on the chest, and the ultrasound waves move through the body, reflecting from the heart tissues. The echoes are picked up by the transducer and translated into images by the computer, enabling doctors to diagnose heart disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions about Echo (Echocardiography)

Q. What is the echocardiography test?

The echocardiography test, or echocardiogram, is a radiology test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed heart images. This test helps assess heart structure and function.

Q. What is the need for getting the Echo (Echocardiography) test?

The echocardiogram is needed to find out about heart health and to detect conditions like heart valve issues, congenital defects of the heart, or cardiomyopathy. It also helps to track the success of treatments for heart disease, and check the function and size of the heart.

Q. How should I prepare for the test?

Before the Echo (Echocardiography) test, you may be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing; avoid using oils, lotions, or creams on your chest area on the test day; and avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks).

Q. What will happen during the test?

During the echocardiogram: a) You will be asked to lie on an exam table, often on your left side. b) A technician will apply a gel to your chest to help the ultrasound transducer make good contact with your skin. c) The transducer will be moved around your chest to capture images of your heart.

Q. Is the test painful?

No, the echocardiogram is generally painless. The most you might feel is slight discomfort from the pressure of the transducer on your chest or from the gel applied.

Q. Are there any risks associated with the test?

Echocardiograms are extremely safe and low-risk. If you do have a transesophageal echocardiogram, there may be very minimal risk related to sedation or discomfort in the throat.

Q. Can I resume normal activities after the test?

Yes, you can generally return to your normal activities immediately after an echocardiogram unless the doctor instructs you otherwise.

Q. Is the echocardiogram safe during pregnancy?

Yes, the echocardiogram is safe during pregnancy. The echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology, which is completely non-invasive and doesn't use radiation. For this reason, it is a safe method for observing the mother's heart health as well as that of the unborn baby.

Q. What is the fetal echocardiogram?

The fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound used to examine the heart of an unborn baby. It provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function to detect potential heart defects or abnormalities.

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