Echocardiogram Test: Purpose and Procedure

Heart health has become a pressing concern in the 21st century due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, and the growing prevalence of heart disease. One of the most critical tools available to doctors to assess heart function is the echocardiogram. This test provides crucial insights into the heart's structure and operation, helping diagnose a variety of cardiovascular conditions. In this blog, we will explore the purpose of an echocardiogram, the procedure involved, and why it’s a vital part of cardiac care.

What is an Echocardiogram Test?

An echocardiogram is a painless medical procedure that employs ultrasound technology to generate visual images of the heart. It helps doctors visualise the heart's chambers, valves, and surrounding blood vessels, ensuring the heart is functioning correctly. It’s widely used to detect abnormalities such as heart defects, blood clots, and fluid buildup around the heart. In India, echocardiograms have become a routine part of heart check-ups, especially for those with existing heart conditions or a family history of heart disease.

What is its Purpose?

The primary purpose of an echocardiogram test is to evaluate the heart's overall health. It allows cardiologists to:

• Assess Heart Structure: The echocardiogram provides detailed images of the heart's chambers and valves, helping doctors determine if there are any structural abnormalities. This is particularly important for people born with congenital heart defects or those who have suffered from heart conditions later in life.
• Evaluate Heart Function: It measures how efficiently the heart pumps blood and monitors the movement of the heart muscle. This is crucial for diagnosing heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and other disorders that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood.
• Detect Valve Problems: The heart’s valves ensure that blood flows in the correct direction. An echocardiogram can reveal whether the valves are functioning properly, detecting issues like valve stenosis (narrowing of the valve) or valve regurgitation (leakage of blood backwards).
• Monitor Blood Flow: By assessing the flow of blood through the heart, an echocardiogram can detect blood clots, abnormal holes in the heart, or any obstructions that prevent the smooth flow of blood.
• Track Treatment Progress: For patients undergoing treatment for heart conditions, an echocardiogram is used to track how well treatments, such as medication or surgery, are working.

What is the Echocardiogram Procedure?

The echocardiogram test is a simple and painless procedure that typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. 

• Preparation: You will need to lie down on a table while the technician applies a special gel to your chest. This gel helps the sound waves travel more efficiently through the skin, making the images clearer.
• Image Capture: A device called a transducer is placed on your chest and moved around to capture images of your heart from different angles. The transducer sends sound waves into the body, and as these waves bounce off the heart, they create an image on the screen.
• Monitoring the Heart: Throughout the procedure, the technician will capture several images and videos of your heart in motion. In some cases, you may be asked to breathe in a specific way or hold your breath to get clearer images.
• Stress Echocardiogram: If your doctor suspects coronary artery disease, they may order a stress echocardiogram. This involves taking images before and after exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike to see how your heart responds to physical stress.
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): In some cases, doctors may need more detailed images of the heart’s structures, especially the back side of the heart. In a TEE, a small probe is inserted through the mouth into the oesophagus, providing clearer images since the oesophagus is located right next to the heart. This is typically performed under sedation.

Who Should Get an Echocardiogram?

Doctors may recommend an echocardiogram for several reasons, including:

• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Suspected or confirmed heart murmurs
• Family history of heart disease
• Monitoring of known heart conditions, such as heart failure, valvular heart disease, or after a heart attack

It is also a common test for individuals undergoing pre-surgery evaluations or those on medications that can affect the heart.

What are the Benefits of an Echocardiogram Test?

The echocardiogram is widely regarded as one of the most reliable, non-invasive methods to evaluate the heart. Its benefits include:

• Early Detection: Echocardiograms can detect heart problems before symptoms become severe, enabling early intervention.
• No Radiation: Unlike other imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans, echocardiograms use sound waves, so there is no exposure to radiation.
• Widely Accessible: In India, most hospitals and diagnostic centres have the necessary equipment to conduct an echocardiogram, making it accessible to a vast majority of the population.
• Real-Time Imaging: Doctors get a real-time view of the heart’s motion and function, enabling them to make immediate decisions regarding treatment.

Echocardiogram Test Price in India

The cost of an echocardiogram varies depending on the location and facility, ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹7,000. In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the costs might be on the higher side, while smaller cities and rural areas may offer more affordable options.

Safeguard Your Health with Niva Bupa

While echocardiogram tests are a vital diagnostic tool, the costs of regular health check-ups and tests can add up, especially if you need ongoing monitoring. This is where having a comprehensive health insurance plan becomes crucial.  Niva Bupa offers medical insurance plans that cover diagnostic tests like echocardiograms, ensuring you don’t have to worry about the financial burden when it comes to taking care of your heart health. With Niva Bupa’s health insurance plans, you can access a wide network of hospitals and diagnostic centres, helping you stay protected and prioritise your well-being.