Echocardiogram or Echo is a specialized ultrasound which is used to study the human heart, its normal structure and check if any abnormality is present. The human heart is one of the most interesting organ of the human body which is primary made up of four chambers namely the atria and the ventricles and numerous large and small blood vessels which help in pumping out oxygenated blood to the body and de-oxygenated blood to the lungs for its oxygenation. In instances where the heart muscles are weak or are diagnosed with some diseases, an echocardiogram can be used as an effective diagnostic test.
Are electrocardiogram and echocardiogram similar ?
No an electrocardiogram or an EG/EKG is a primarily diagnostic test which is used to record the heart rate and its rhythm in a graphical manner, whereas an echocardiogram is nothing but an ultrasonographic examination of the heart. Some patients get confused between both the terminologies, but both are completely different diagnostic procedures. If you still have doubts about the procedures it is advised to ask your treating doctor for the detailed description of both the diagnostic tests.
When is an echocardiogram advised ?
An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test which is used to diagnose any heart ailments such as congenital heart disease, murmurs, arrhythmia, inflammation of the layers of the heart, to check the muscles of the heart, to check if there’s any blockage or clot causing a stroke, the shape and functioning of heart valves and infection around the valves.
Is the echocardiogram performed in a normal individual ?
Yes, echocardiogram can be performed on a normal as a routine investigation during a cardiology check-up to check the normal functioning of the heart.
How does an echocardiogram equipment look like ?
An echocardiogram machine resembles an ultrasound machine, as it has a monitor which is used as a display screen to display the scanned images. The monitor is provided with a probe or an external transducer which sends sound waves which are reverted back in the form of echoes which are picked up by the monitor and transformed into images.
Are there any risks associated with an echocardiogram?
No, echocardiogram is a safe procedure which does not involve any radiation. It is also a non-invasive and a painless procedure.
How do you prepare for an echocardiogram ?
If an echocardiogram is advised for you it is either to study the normal structure and functioning of the heart or to identify any abnormality. Not much preparation is advised, but you might be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything before the procedure. Also, you should give a detailed medical history and details of any medicines which you are taking which could affect the results of the echocardiogram. You will be asked to remove any jewelry and wear loose clothing above the waist before the start of the echocardiogram.
What are the types of echocardiogram ?
The traditional echocardiogram is the Transthoracic echocardiogram where a probe or a transducer is used from outside the chest region to record the sound echoes from your heart which are later translated into images in the monitor.
Doppler echocardiogram is a type of echocardiogram where along with the functioning of the heart the blood flow and its speed through the heart can also be determined.
The invasive method of doing an echocardiogram is a Transesophageal echocardiogram, where the probe or transducer is inserted via the oesophagus to get a more clear and detailed image of the heart.
The latest advances in the field of echocardiography is 3D echocardiography and digital echocardiography.
Does an echocardiogram require anesthesia ?
No, administration of anesthesia is not required before the echocardiogram as it is a non-invasive technique. Only during trasnoesophageal echocardiogram a local anesthetic spray is used to numb the throat area as the probe is inserted via the oesophagus to get better and detailed images of the heart.
What happens during an echocardiogram ?
You will be asked to lie down on your back. Some electrodes as leads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate during the echocardiogram. The technician or the cardiologist will move the transducer on the chest after application of aa gel lubricant to locate and image the heart. The procedure takes about twenty to forty minutes. After the scan is completed the images are sent to your cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon for reviewing and reporting.
Who reports an echocardiogram ?
An echocardiogram is reported by a cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Can you go back home after an echocardiogram ?
Yes, an echocardiogram is a safe and non-invasive procedure and you can go home if you are not advised to stay in the hospital for other ailments.
What are the possible results of an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram can image the heart in such a way that its size, structure, functioning and any abnormality could be detected. A cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon is well trained to identify a normal echocardiogram as well as if there are any heart defects, damage to any heart muscle, or any valve abnormalities in the heart. An echocardiogram is also performed to monitor the recovery in patients who have had a heart attack previously and are undergoing treatment for the same.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
