Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
FAQ's
City Price Info
References
Other Tests
Content created by
doctor
Written by
doctor
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Echo (Echocardiography)

Also known as Echocardiogram, Color Doppler Echo, 2D Echo
This test is for
Male, Female
Earliest reports in
24-48 hours
Test Preparation
  1. Remove any metal objects that may interfere with the electrodes. Inform the technician if you have a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. Why might I need the echocardiogram test?

The echocardiogram might be needed to diagnose heart conditions such as heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, or cardiomyopathy, monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart disease, and assess the heart's function and size.

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 considered very safe with minimal risks. However, if you have a transesophageal echocardiogram, there may be slight risks related to sedation or throat discomfort.

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 considered safe during pregnancy. It uses ultrasound technology, which is non-invasive and does not involve radiation. This makes it a safe choice for monitoring the heart health of the mother and 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.
+ more

Echo (Echocardiography) test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 1200
Price inMumbaiRs. 1380
Price inKolkataRs. 1350
Price inNew DelhiRs. 1360
Price inPuneRs. 1650
+ more

Provided by 14 Labs



INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App

Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.

visamastercardamerican expressrupaynet bankingcash on delivery
Need help? Call us at 1800-212-2323 or get a call back from our health advisor