In short, one can describe echocardiogram an ultrasound imaging test wherein high-frequency sound waves are generated to obtain images of the heart muscles and the valve. With the help of an echocardiogram test done in the image diagnostic center, the doctors can get information in regards to the heart’s size, shape, movement of the heart muscles, functioning of the heart’s valves, arteries and blood flow.

Reasons echocardiogram is used for

• To monitor if the heart is pumping blood in a normal manner
• For diagnosing heart issues like clogged heart valves, heart muscle stiffening, chamber enlargement etc.
• Detect the areas where blood clots or tumors are formed
• To check for birth defects among infants and children
• Echocardiogram can also find out reasons as to why the heart treatment methods like pacemakers, heart failure medications have failed.
• To detect pulmonary hypertension

How does echocardiogram work?

This test utilizes high-frequency sound waves that are sent to the body of a person with the help of a device called transducer. This device is placed outside of the chest and close to the heart region. Additionally, some gel may be applied on the chest to enable smooth transmission of sound waves. The sound waves gets rebounded after surfacing the interior of the heart and meets the transducer in the form of echoes. These echoes get converted to images on the screen of the image diagnostic center. As lives images are available, it becomes easier for the technicians and doctors to understand a person’s cardiac health condition.

The three type of echocardiograms that are used are:

• Transoesophaegal Echocardiogram (TOE)- This test procedure is comprised of a small probe down the throat into the esophagus and in the stomach for a certain number of cases. The probe sends sound waves and record their echoes as they bounce off the different parts of the heart. Then a computer captures detailed images of the heart in real-time. This test may require a person to be on a fast for a few hours prior to the test as the food in the stomach or in the esophagus may not let the device to obtain clear images.
• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)- It is one of the common types of echocardiogram prescribed by the doctor which is to be performed at the center for image diagnostics. To get an overall view of a person’s cardiovascular health, TTE is advised. It also helps in diagnose many of the heart issues.
• Stress Echocardiogram- This test is the same as TTE with the difference being that this test is conducted on patients during or immediately after they complete an exercise on a treadmill/exercise bike until their heart rate reaches to the peak levels. With this test, it can be analyzed whether the heart muscles are active enough to produce the needed amount of oxygen and blood especially when doing activities like exercise. The test is also carried out under circumstances when a chest pain suggests a heart attack or coronary heart disease.

Echocardiogram is capable of showing problems of the heart such as heart muscle tissue damage, problems in heart blood flow during exercise, occurrence of thick and thin heart ventricle walls, abnormal cardiac chamber size, blood clots or tumor in the heart.

In conclusion, it is highly recommended that echocardiogram is done without delay as it is very effective for a preliminary diagnosis of the heart health. If the condition seems too complicated to be assessed with echocardiogram alone, the doctor is likely to prescribe additional imaging tests at the center for image diagnostics for comprehensive treatment and path to recovery.