The blog below explains the importance of echo tests in determining and diagnosing certain heart conditions. With the help of an echocardiogram the doctor can visualise the heart and its nearby blood vessels.
An echocardiogram or echo is a type of ultrasound scan also known as a heart sonogram. The scan uses a small probe that sends sound wave signals in high frequency to create echo waves that can bounce off different parts of the body. These echos are collected by the probe and turned into scan images. Echo scan is typically used for assessing and visualizing the heart and its vessels for any disease or disorder.
What Are the Uses of an Echocardiogram?
An Echocardiogram scan can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of heart-related conditions. It can be used to assess blood flow in the heart and pumping efficiency of its chambers. An echocardiogram can help determine-
- To examine areas of the heart where blood supply is blocked due to conditions such as a heart attack.
- If the heart is failing to pump enough blood into certain parts of the body due to heart failure.
- If the walls of the heart become thickened or enlarged, known as cardiomyopathy
- If the heart valves are getting infectious, (endocarditis)
- If there are any birth defects that may affect the normal working of the heart- congenital heart diseases such as patent ductus arteriosus.
- If there are any problems with heart valves- affecting the blood supply circulation due to abnormal working of the valves
Types of Echo Test
The type of echo test depends on what information is to be obtained. The types are mentioned below-
Transthoracic Echocardiogram, known as TTE
Another name for transthoracic echocardiogram is heart ultrasound. This is a standard echocardiogram scan. It is a painless and non-invasive technique to look into the amount of blood flowing through your heart and heart valves and other heart structures. A TTE test creates pictures of the heart and its content from outside of the body itself. A contrast dye might be given into your vein via IV line which helps show a better picture of the heart and its vessels.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram, also known as TEE
When the standard echocardiogram technique is insufficient in making the diagnosis, your doctor might order a TEE exam. A TEE exam gives a more detailed picture of your heart and its arteries including its main artery called the aorta. A TEE scan technique is capable of creating pictures of the heart from outside of your body. The main purpose of doing this scan is to evaluate the aortic valve. This test should never be done if you have a bleeding upper gastrointestinal tract or a tumour or a tear in the oesophagus.
Foetal Echocardiogram
The foetal echocardiogram is a type of echocardiogram which is generally and especially done during the pregnancy to check for the baby's heart. It is a painless and non-invasive ultrasound technique. In this scan technique a ultrasound wand is run over the pregnant lady's belly so that the doctor is able to visualise the baby's heart without surgical intervention.
Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram is done to access the hearts functioning while the person is under stressful conditions such as exercising. It is used to check how the heart responds to physical activity. It can be done to diagnose a heart condition named coronary artery disease. You are generally made to walk on a treadmill with certain settings. Under a certain inclination, for a certain period of time.
Echocardiogram Methods
- Two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional(3D) echocardiogram
- Doppler echocardiogram
- Colour flow imaging
What Are the Risks of Echocardiogram Scan?
Echocardiography is a scan technique that uses only sound waves for creating pictures. The sound waves are generally of no risk to the body. The echocardiogram does not use radiation to create pictures.
For Standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram-
- You might feel slight discomfort when the ultrasound wand is placed and pushed against the chest. It is necessary to push the wand a little in order to get better images.
- There might be a slight risk that you develop allergic reactions to contrast dye. Some people get a little backache, headaches and rashes. If a reaction occurs, it typically happens when the contrast is given or while you are in the scanning room.There is a slight chance that you might develop severe allergic reactions.
Difficulties Faced After a Tee Scans Might Be
- Sore throat after a few hours
- Arrhythmias, which is problem in rhythm of heart beat
- Slight difficulty in swallowing
- Minor bleeding in throat
- Spasm in throat or lung muscles
- Esophageal perforation
- Some injury to gums, lips or teeth
- You might feel nausea from medicine used in the test.
- Allergic reaction
- Sometimes heart attacks might happen but it is very rare.
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 Center for heart Echo scan?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many echo 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 scans 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 for heart ultrasound.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Book Your Online Imaging and Get Early Appointment
Ganesh Diagnostic Center promotes great care and concern for patients.
It is our utmost duty to allow a speedy diagnosis and hope that in the future, your treatment is done at the earliest.
Thus, we recommend you to book an appointment with us today and book your online diagnostic imaging scan for any specific disease, disorder and discomfort.
Avail our digital support system and establish a long-lasting relationship with Ganesh Diagnostic Center near you today.
