Echocardiogram – Uses, Procedure, Types, Results

Has any of your loved ones been prescribed a 2D Echo (Two-Dimensional Echocardiogram) test by a doctor?

Go through this short blog to know all the essential information about what is an echocardiogram, how is an echocardiogram done, and what does an echocardiogram show.

What is an Echocardiogram?

Also known as cardiac echo & cardiac ultrasound, an echocardiogram is an ultrasound imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate live images of the heart muscles & valves.

As per the type of echocardiogram test conducted, doctors can know about the shape, size, and movement of the heart muscles, functioning of the heart valves, arteries and blood flow.

What are Echocardiograms used for?

Echocardiograms are generally used to:

• Find out whether the heart is pumping blood in a normal manner
• Evaluate the reasons for an abnormal ECG test
• Diagnose heart issues like leaky or clogged heart valves, heart muscle stiffening, chamber enlargement, etc.
• Determine the location of blood clots or tumors
• Evaluate the pressure in the heart to detect a condition named pulmonary hypertension
• Detect birth defects in infants & young children
• Monitor the effects of ongoing treatments like pacemakers, heart failure medications, artificial valves, etc.

How does Echocardiogram work?

An echocardiogram utilises high-frequency sound waves that are sent through a person’s body via a device named a transducer. The transducer is placed on the outside of the chest near the heart region. A gel is generally applied to the chest area before the test to facilitate the smooth transmission of sound waves.

The sound waves bounce off of the interior of the heart and rebound to the transducer in the form of echoes. The echoes get converted into pictures on a computer screen, showcasing live images of the functioning of the heart to the doctor or technician.

What are the types of Echocardiogram?

The following 3 types of echocardiogram are commonly used:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
The most common type of echocardiogram, TTE follows the test procedure that we discussed in the previous section. This test provides an excellent overview of a person’s overall cardiovascular health to the doctor and helps diagnose most heart issues.

Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)
The TOE test procedure comprises passing a small probe down the throat into the oesophagus and in some cases into the stomach. The probe sends sound waves and records their echoes as they bounce off of the different parts of the heart. A computer then converts the echoes into detailed real-time images of the heart. This test may require fasting for a number of hours prior to the test.

Stress Echocardiogram
This test is similar to the TTE but is conducted on patients during or immediately after they exercise on a treadmill/exercise bike until their heart rate reaches peak levels. It helps doctors assess whether the heart muscles are getting adequate oxygen & blood during exercise. It’s generally carried out when chest pain may suggest a heart attack or coronary heart disease.

What do Echocardiogram results show?

The results of an echocardiogram can help diagnose heart issues such as:

• Problems in heart blood flow during exercise
• Heart muscle tissue damage
• Stiffening of the heart muscle
• Problems regarding heart valves
• Thin or thick ventricle walls
• Blood clots or tumors in the heart
• Enlarged heart
• Abnormal cardiac chamber size
• Heart defects

Conclusion

If the doctor finds anything abnormal in the echocardiogram results, then a reference of a cardiologist may be provided for further treatment. The cardiologist may prescribe additional imaging tests for greater clarity regarding the heart condition.

If anyone in your family has been prescribed a 2D echo test, stress test or any other diagnostic test, then call us 24×7 on 9504555555 to schedule an appointment at your nearest Clinico centre.

We provide best-in-class, convenient service at our state-of-the-art diagnostic centres in Mulund, Thane and Bhandup.