Echocardiogram

When the cardiologist recommends an echocardiogram, they are looking for a detailed and clearer picture of how your heart is actually functioning. It is one of the most reliable cardiac investigations available, which is painless, radiation-free and non-invasive. At the CK Birla Hospital, the test is performed by experienced cardiologists within our in-house radiology setup, so results are interpreted with the full clinical context.

An echocardiogram, commonly called an echo heart test, is an ultrasound of the heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create real time images of the heart’s chambers, valves, walls and the blood flowing through them.

Unlike an ECG (Electrocardiogram), which only records the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram shows your heart’s physical structure and how it moves with each beat. Doctors can see how efficiently the heart is pumping, how well the valves open and close, and whether any part of the muscle is weakened or thickened.

This procedure is painless, non-invasive and takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes in most cases. No radiation is involved.

There are a few types of echo tests used depending on what the cardiologist is looking for:

1. Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common type, done by placing a probe on the chest.
2. Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) involves a probe that passes through the oesophagus for clearer images. It is usually used when TTE results are insufficient.
3. Stress Echocardiogram captures the images before and after physical exertion or medication to see how the heart performs under pressure.
4. Doppler Echocardiogram specifically evaluates blood flow direction and velocity through the heart.

Your cardiologist may suggest an echo test if you have symptoms that point toward a heart-related concern or an existing condition that needs monitoring. Some of these include:

• Frequent chest pain or uneasiness
• Shortness of breath, especially with mild exertion
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations or arrhythmia)
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Dizziness or unexplained fainting spells
• A new or changing heart murmur detected during examination
• History of a heart attack, to check for muscle damage
• Monitoring of known heart valve disease or cardiomyopathy
• Followup after cardiac surgery or procedures

Echo screening is also used before major non-cardiac surgery in patients with known heart disease and in people with a strong family history of structural heart conditions.

For a Standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) 

• Minimal preparation works.
• Eat and drink normally unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Take your regular medications as prescribed.
• Wear comfortable clothing; you may need to change into a hospital gown.
• Avoid applying lotions, oils or powders to your chest on the day of the test.

For a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

• Do not eat or drink for about 4 to 6 hours before the test (follow your healthcare advisor’s instructions).
• Inform your doctor if you have:

• Dentures, bridges or swallowing problems
• Medication allergies
• A history of esophageal disease

After a TEE, your throat may be sore for a few hours. Also, arrange for someone to drive you home, as sedatives are often used.

For a Stress Echocardiogram

• You may need to avoid eating for several hours before the test.
• Wear comfortable walking/exercise clothes and shoes.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding heart medications
• Do not stop any medication unless specifically told to do so.

Bring your previous cardiac reports, ECGs or imaging results if you have any to your appointment. These help the cardiologist compare findings and identify changes over time.

An echocardiogram uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create moving images of your heart.

How it works:

1. A technician places a probe called a transducer on your chest.
2. Small electrode patches are placed on the chest to monitor your heart rhythm throughout the test.
3. The transducer is moved gently across different areas of the chest wall, which sends sound waves into your body.
4. The probe emits high frequency sound waves that travel through the chest and reflect back from the heart’s structures, such as the chambers, valves, and blood vessels, converting into live images on a monitor in real time.
5. At certain points, the patient may be asked to hold their breath briefly or shift position slightly to allow clearer imaging from different angles.

A standard echocardiogram takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

What doctors can see in the echocardiogram:

• Size and shape of the heart
• Heart valve function
• Blood flow through the heart
• Heart pumping strength
• Areas of heart muscle damage or abnormalities

An echocardiogram provides a broad view of your cardiac health. It helps identify:

• Heart valve problems like narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation) of the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves
• Cardiomyopathy that is enlarged, thickened, or stiffened heart muscle
• Heart failure that is caused by reduced pumping function
• Congenital heart defects that are structural abnormalities present from birth
• Pericardial effusion which means fluid around the heart
• Blood clots or tumours inside the heart chambers
• Damage after a heart attack
• Pulmonary hypertension that is high pressure in the lungs’ blood vessels

An echocardiogram does not detect coronary artery blockages directly. For that, additional investigations like a CT coronary angiogram or catheter angiography may be needed.

CK Birla Hospital’s cardiology team has extensive experience in both diagnostic and interventional heart care. Echocardiograms here are performed using high-resolution ultrasound equipment and every study is interpreted by qualified professionals.

Whether an echocardiogram is required before surgery or as part of ongoing monitoring after a cardiac event, a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiology, internal medicine, and cardiac surgery ensures that every aspect of the patient’s care is carefully managed.

If you have been advised to get an echocardiogram, or if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, our cardiologists are available for consultation.