ECHO
Echocardiogram or ECHO test is a specialized ultrasound of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function. By using high-frequency ultrasound waves, it provides a real-time view of your heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns. This test is essential in evaluating your heart’s health and identifying potential issues.
Know the procedure
ECHO is a non-invasive and painless procedure that is performed in a cardiac setting hospital or a specialized cardiac clinic. This test does not require any fasting, and you can continue taking your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Turnaround Time for Reports
Once the test is completed, the collected data will be analyzed by a cardiologist. You can typically expect to receive your ECHO report within a few days, although this may vary depending on the facility you visited and their specific processes.
Why were You Advised for an ECHO Test?
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like chest pain or have a medical history of diabetes, hypertension or other lifestyle disorders or symptoms that raises suspicions of heart disease, your cardiologist may suggest an ECHO to get a better understanding of your heart’s condition.
ECHO is a very essential test for a cardiologist to assess the pumping strength of your heart, the size and shape of your heart along with the size, thickness and movement of your heart’s walls.
It also helps a cardiologist to assess the functioning of your heart valves. Also to understand if the heart valves are too narrow due to plaques (stenosis) or possibility of blood clots in the chambers of your heart.
Does a Cardiologist Perform ECHO?
A common question that arises is, “Why does a cardiologist perform the ECHO test instead of a technician?” The reason is simple: a cardiologist is a medical doctor specialized in cardiac science. They are experts in interpreting ECHO results and can provide an accurate diagnosis based on the images and data obtained during the test. This expertise is crucial in identifying heart conditions and ensuring you receive the best care and advice.
Most Common Outcomes of Your Scan
The ECHO test provides valuable insights into your heart’s health and working. Some common outcomes include:
Normal ECHO: This result indicates that your heart is functioning within a healthy range, and no significant issues are detected.
Valve Abnormalities: An ECHO may reveal problems with your heart valves, such as stenosis. These issues can affect the flow of blood through your heart.
Heart Muscle Abnormalities: If your heart muscle is weak or thickened, the ECHO can identify it. Conditions like cardiomyopathy can be diagnosed through an ECHO.
Congenital Heart Conditions: ECHO can also identify congenital heart conditions present from birth.
Blood Clots or Tumors: In rare cases, an ECHO may detect blood clots or tumors within the heart.