Echocardiography

An echocardiogram, often referred as a cardiac ECHO or simply an ECHO is a cardiac ultrasound. It include two dimensional (2D) picture, M mode ,Doppler,  Colour doppler and tissue doppler studies. It gives accurate assessment of heart function (contraction and relaxation) mainly ejection fraction (EF).   It provides  assessment of cardiac valves  and function, any abnormal communications between the left and right side of the heart (congenital heart disease) , any leaking of blood through the valves (valvular regurgitation) and other parameters measured like luminal diameters and thicknesses of wall of heart.

Echocardiography is usually performed by a  cardiologist. It can be  performed any time by applying a cardiac probe on chest. It is painless and noninvasive procedure hardly takes 5-10 minute depending on cardiac abnormalities. Common indications of echocardiogram are: Those who have shortness of breath during exertion, swelling of legs and face, palpitation, chest pain, evaluation of hypertension / Diabetes. Children with frequent chest infection, inadequate growth of child, fast heart beat, newborns having difficulty and sweating during breast feeding. It can be performed safely on pregnant women. No side effects or risk associated with this test and can be performed even after meal.