The ECHO test is generally used to examine the heart for any problems or diseases, in this blog we will discuss all about the echocardiogram test, its uses, how it works and its risks etc.
An Echo test is also called Echocardiogram. It is a type of Ultrasound diagnostic imaging test that can help your doctor to visualise and diagnose certain diseases such as heart attack, blood clots, heart valve disease or other heart problems.
Doctors also use Echo test to determine other heart diseases such as damaged cardiac tissue, heart muscle stiffening, heart chamber enlargement, fluid around the heart or poorly functioning heart valves.
Why Is The ECHO Test Used?
An echocardiogram test can be used by the doctors to help diagnose or keep a check on certain heart conditions and diseases. The test is used to visualise the heart and its related blood vessels which helps analyse the blood flowing through them and helps in assessing the pumping efficiency of the heart chambers.
An Echocardiogram can be used to detect-
- Endocarditis- it is an i infectious condition of the heart valves
- Congenital heart disease- these are the born/birth defects that hamper/affect the normal functioning of the heart.
- Heart attack- it is a condition where the heart bears damage due to sudden blockage in the blood supply to the heart.
- Heart valve problems- the heart valves control the amount of blood flowing in and through the heart, any problem associated with them can be examined by this test.
- Cardiomyopathy- it is a condition of heart where the heart walls become thickened and enlarged.
- Heart failure- it is a condition of the heart where the heart fails to pump enough blood to the body and its organs at the right pressure.
The echo test can also be used to-
- Check for the outcome of a planned surgery or procedure.
- Assess your condition before surgery or procedure.
- To visualise and check conditions that have already been diagnosed.
- To check for signs and symptoms of underlying disease
- To learn more about the underlying disease.
The Echo test can tell the changes occurring -
- Blood clots in the stream
- A tumour in heart
- Aneurysm of aorta.
What Are the Types of Echo Tests?
There are different types of Echocardiogram, different types have their own benefits and aid in diagnosing and managing certain heart diseases. They include-
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
- Exercise stress echocardiogram (TMT)
- Transesophageal echocardiogram.(TEE)
- Foetal echocardiogram
What Are the Different Techniques Used in Echocardiograms?
Several techniques used in the Echocardiogram are
- Two-dimensional ultrasound
- Three-dimensional ultrasound
- Doppler ultrasound
- Colour doppler ultrasound
- Contrast imaging
- Strain imaging
How to Prepare for an Echocardiogram?
- If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram, you cannot drive home yourself, you should ask someone to drive you home
- You will be guided by your healthcare provider about your medicine schedule
- You can eat or drink as usual if you are having a transthoracic echocardiogram.
- If you are to have a transesophageal echocardiogram, you should avoid eating or drinking anything a few hours before the test.
What Happens After the Echocardiogram?
- Most echocardiograms take less than an hour to complete.
- If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram, you might need to stay back in the hospital for a while. Your doctor will monitor you for any adverse signs or symptoms.
- Usually You can resume your daily activities as soon as the test is done.
- If you do not show any negative echocardiogram test result, you don't need any further tests.
- If further tests are needed, you will be suggested by your doctor.
What Are the Risks and Side-Effects Associated With Echocardiograms?
- an echocardiogram is a diagnostic imaging technique which is painless and harmless as it uses sound waves for image production
- It does not pose any radiation related risks as it doesn't use any ionising radiation but the sound waves.
- Other risks depend of the type of echocardiogram being conducted
- If you are having a traditional transthoracic echocardiogram, you might feel certain discomfort. The instrument used in this technique pushes against the chest which might be a little uncomfortable.
- Use of contrast dye might involve certain risks such as allergic reaction including-
- If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram, you might have some sore throat soreness for a few hours afterwards. The tube can sometimes scrape your throat as well. Other risks associated with TEE are
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Scratchy voice and weak voice.
- Throat or lung muscle spasms
- Arrhythmias or problem in heart rhythm
- Feeling nausea from medicines during the test.
- You might have minor bleeding in the throat area.
- Slight injury to gums, lips or teeth.
- Sometimes esophageal perforation is also seen (hole in the oesophagus)
- Sometimes medicines are given during the echocardiogram test, this medicine can cause
- fast heartbeat
- irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Flushing
- Allergic reaction
- Serious complications such as heart attack.
Conclusion
An echocardiogram test is used to examine your heart's condition. It is also used to look for the signs and symptoms associated with heart disease, such as for weak heart muscles, blood clots in the heart, heart valves not functioning properly. The test carries very less discomfort or side effects but the contrast medium might cause certain allergic reactions. Book your test at the best diagnostic centre in delhi.
Why Ganesh Diagnostic Center for You?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many Xray scan centres in Delhi which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
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 tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Get connected to our doctor directly- Dr Ravin Sharma 9212125996
