Echo (Echocardiogram)
An Echocardiogram (ECHO) is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce detailed images of the heart. It helps visualize the heart chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow in real time.
During the procedure, a transducer is placed on the chest, which sends sound waves that bounce off the heart structures to create moving images on a monitor. This allows healthcare providers to evaluate how well the heart is pumping and how effectively the valves are functioning.
ECHO is widely used to detect heart conditions such as valve disorders, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, heart enlargement, and fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion). It also helps assess blood flow patterns and measure cardiac function, including ejection fraction.
The test is safe, painless, and non-invasive, typically completed within 15–30 minutes, and plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring heart diseases.
This test is recommended for individuals with symptoms or conditions related to the heart.
It is advised in the following cases:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Suspected heart valve disease
- Heart murmurs
- Known or suspected heart disease
- Swelling in legs (possible heart failure)
- Abnormal ECG findings
- Follow-up evaluation of heart conditions