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Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (ECHO) is an ultrasound test that produces images of the heart and heart valves using high-frequency sound waves. An ECHO is useful in evaluating the size and shape of the heart, determining the condition of valves, examining the blood flow between the right and left sides of the heart, and the speed at which the blood exits the heart.

At Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our cardiologists employ ECHO to accurately assess heart function and develop personalised treatment plans for optimal care.

When is an ECHO Required?

An ECHO is generally recommended when:

You exhibit certain symptoms and our specialists want to learn more about them
Our cardiologists suspect a heart condition and need confirmation
You have a known heart condition, and our cardiologist needs to monitor its progression
You are preparing for surgery, and our specialists need to assess your heart’s function before the procedure
Our cardiologists want to evaluate the success of a previous procedure

What to Expect During an ECHO?

What to expect during an ECHO depends on the type recommended by our cardiologist. Electrodes will be attached initially to record your heart’s electrical activity. There are three types of ECHO:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram, where a transducer is used to move back and forth to record the sound waves of your heart, which then produces live images of the heart.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TTE), where an endoscope with a transducer at the tip is guided down the throat and oesophagus. The transducer emits sound waves, which are reflected back and captured, then transmitted to a computer to generate detailed images of the heart. The tube is then removed from the throat
Stress Echocardiogram, where a transthoracic echocardiogram is done before exercising on a treadmill or a stationary bike. Intensity is raised, and you will be advised to exercise until you get tired. A transthoracic echocardiogram is again done quickly after the exercise.

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FAQ's

Transthoracic echocardiograms do not require much preparation. However, for transoesophageal and stress echocardiograms, certain instructions must be followed, such as fasting, specific medications to take, and guidance on driving after the procedure. Our specialists will provide you with detailed guidelines to ensure you are well-prepared and the test goes smoothly.

An ECHO can detect several types of heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, valve disease, infective endocarditis, pericardial disease, as well as changes in the heart like blood clots, aortic aneurysms, and cardiac tumour.

The time duration of an ECHO procedure depends on the type advised. A transthoracic echocardiogram typically lasts around 40 minutes, whereas a transoesophageal echocardiogram may take 10 to 30 minutes, with an additional 15 to 20 minutes for post-procedure monitoring. On the other hand, a stress echocardiogram may usually take less than 15 minutes.