An Echocardiogram is a type of a special ultrasound scan. It is often used by the doctor to evaluate and diagnose problems associated with the heart such as heart attack, blood clots, heart valve disease and others.through...
An Echocardiography is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. These scan images are known as echocardiograms or Echo. It is a painless, non-invasive procedure that does not use any ionising radiation but sound waves which makes it a safe procedure. The procedure is also known as heart sonogram or heart ultrasound.
What Are the Uses of an Echocardiography?
The echocardiogram can help determine and detect-
- The size and thickness of the chambers
- The cause of a stroke
- The functioning of a heart’s valve.
- Know the direction of blood flow through the heart’
- Evaluate the area of damage to the heart
- Weak cardiac muscle tissue
- Problems that affect the heart’s pericardium
These scan images can also tell certain situations such as
- Heart attack
- Blood clots or thrombus
- Tumour
- Coronary artery disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Aortic aneurysm
- Aortic dissection
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart valve disease
- Problems with pericardium
- Heart failure
What Are the Types of Echocardiography?
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram, TTE- This is a standard echocardiogram also known as heart ultrasound. It creates pictures of the heart from outside the body. It is a non-invasive technique that can help evaluate blood flow through the heart and heart valves. A contrast TTE can also be done to produce clearer images.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram, TEE- It is mainly used to get clear pictures of the main artery of the heart i.e. the aorta. When TTE images are insufficient to describe the aorta, TEE is used. It is als used to examine the aortic valve. Absolute contraindication for conducting this scan is when you have paper gastrointestinal tract bleeding or tumour or tear in the oesophagus
- Foetal Echocardiogram- A foetal echocardiogram is performed during gestational period/pregnancy to check the baby’s heart and its condition. It uses a wand that is run over the pregnant lady’s belly to obtain clear picture of baby’s heart
- Stress Echocardiogram- The stress echocardiography test is used to check and evaluate your heart’s response to physical stress and activity. The test is done right before and after you exercise. It can be used by your doctor to evaluate your condition if he suspects that you have coronary artery disease.
Echocardiogram Methods
- Two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) echocardiogram.- This imaging technique creates images of the heart walls, blood vessels and valves. A standard echocardiogram is a 2D ECHO. A 3D echocardiogram is used to get more detailed pictures of the lower left heart chamber which is the main pumping area.
- Doppler echocardiogram- The Doppler signals are the signals that get bounced from the heart blood cells and blood vessels. This test can measure the velocity of blood flow within the heart and vessels. It can show the blocked or leaking valves and can also check the blood pressure of the heart arteries.
- Colour flow imaging- this technique displays the pictures in colours. It can help identify leaky valves or other differences in the blood flow.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Echocardiography?
- An echocardiogram is a low-risk or safe diagnostic examination. It poses minimum risks and complications.
- Transesophageal electrocardiogram may cause gag when sonography is guiding the procedure.
- People might also develop sore throat after the transesophageal exam
- Some rare serious complications due to transesophageal echocardiogram can be
- Damage to throat
- Damage to vocal cords
- Damage to oesophagus
- Use of local anaesthesia, sedatives and contrast dues can also cause certain allergic reactions which might include
- Pregnant ladies should avoid contrast dyes unless absolute indications.
- Certain people might develop blood pressure decrease during stress test due to less blood supply to the heart.
Conclusion
Your doctor uses echocardiography to evaluate and confirm diagnosis of certain heart-related problems such as weak heart muscles, blood clots in heart, or poorly functioning heart valves. They might use the technique to evaluate your heart if you have certain symptoms like
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs
- Heart murmurs
- Arrhythmias
- Abnormal blood pressure
Generally the test carries no risk at all and significantly low complications however some people may feel some discomfort or allergic reactions to contrast or anaesthetic solution.
For Free Consultation From the Doctor
Get connected to our doctor directly
- Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
- Phone Number- 9212125996
- Available- 24*7*365
Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center For You?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many PET CT scan imaging which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many test.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic X-rays done, as all services are available under one roof.
GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon x-rays Image reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Note from Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre
Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution and care are depicted in the several health checkups at our centre. We are the Nearby imaging centres at your service.
Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we present simple and comprehensive healthcare packages for any kind of diagnostic scan to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
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