Echocardiogram (Echo) Test in India: A Complete Guide

Has your doctor suggested an Echocardiogram to get a closer look at your heart? An Echo, as it's commonly called, is a type of ultrasound that provides a detailed, moving picture of your heart. This non-invasive test is crucial for understanding your heart's structure and function. This guide will explain the Echo test procedure, its purpose, how to make sense of your report, and the Echocardiogram test price in India.

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of your heart's chambers, valves, walls, and blood vessels. The most common type is a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE), where a probe is moved across your chest.

Unlike an ECG which records electrical signals, an Echo shows the physical structure and, most importantly, how well your heart is pumping blood. It’s like getting a live video of your heart at work.

A cardiologist recommends an Echo test to get a detailed assessment of the heart's anatomy and function. Common reasons include:

• To find the cause of symptoms: Such as shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in the legs, or an irregular heartbeat.
• To check the heart's pumping strength: It measures the Ejection Fraction (EF), which tells you how much blood is pumped out of the heart with each beat. This is a key indicator of heart health.
• To diagnose structural heart problems: It can detect issues like damaged heart muscle (from a heart attack), valve problems (leaky or narrowed valves), heart defects present since birth, or enlargement of the heart chambers.
• To monitor existing conditions: To track changes in heart function over time for patients with known heart disease or high blood pressure.
• To check the effectiveness of treatment: To see how well medications or a previous heart surgery are working.

The Echo test procedure is safe and painless. Here is what you can expect:

Pre-test Preparation:

• No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as you normally would.
• Wear a comfortable, two-piece outfit as you will need to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear.

During the Test:

• You will lie on an examination table, usually on your left side.
• A technician (sonographer) will apply a clear gel to your chest. This gel helps the sound waves travel from the probe to your heart.
• The sonographer will press a small, hand-held device called a transducer firmly against your skin and move it around your chest to get different views of your heart.
• You will not feel anything except for the slight pressure of the probe. You may hear a "swooshing" sound, which is the sound of blood flowing through your heart. The entire test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

An Echo report is a detailed description written by a cardiologist, not just a single number. However, one of the most important measurements is the Ejection Fraction (EF). Ejection Fraction (EF): This measures the percentage of blood that leaves your left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) when it contracts.

• Normal EF Range: 50% to 70%
• Borderline EF: 41% to 49%
• Reduced EF (Heart Failure): 40% or less

The report will also describe the size and thickness of your heart chambers and the condition of your heart valves (whether they open and close properly).

Crucial Disclaimer: Your Echocardiogram report contains complex medical information. It is essential that you review the findings with your cardiologist, who will interpret them in the context of your overall health.

The 2D Echo or Echocardiogram test price in India can vary based on a few factors:

• The City: Major metro cities may have higher prices.
• The Facility: Costs differ between large multi-speciality hospitals and smaller diagnostic centres.
• The Type of Echo: A standard 2D Echo is most common. More advanced tests like a Stress Echo or TEE cost more.

On average, the Echo test cost in India ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹4,000.

Your Echo results will give your doctor a clear path forward.

• If your results are normal, your doctor can rule out structural heart problems as the cause of your symptoms.
• If your results are abnormal, your doctor will discuss the findings and may recommend:
  1. Starting or adjusting medications to improve heart function or manage blood pressure.
  2. Making specific lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise.
  3. Planning further tests or procedures if a serious valve issue or blockage is detected.

1. Do I need to fast for an Echo test?

No, fasting is not necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram.

2. How long does an Echo test take?

The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, as the sonographer needs to capture images from many different angles.

3. Is an Echocardiogram painful?

No, the test is not painful. You might feel some mild pressure on your chest from the transducer probe, but it does not hurt.

4. What is the difference between an ECG and an Echo?

It's a common question! An ECG checks the heart's electrical system (rhythm). An Echo checks the heart's mechanical system (structure and pumping function). They provide different but complementary information.

5. What is a 2D Echo?

2D Echo is simply the common name for a standard, two-dimensional echocardiogram. It creates flat, cross-sectional slices of the heart to provide the views needed for diagnosis.