Echocardiography Test: What is It, Purpose, Procedure & Cost Involved

Echocardiography or echocardiogram is an ultrasound test which is used to examine the heart valves and heart muscles. Images produced help the doctor assess the health of the heart and related muscles. It is an enhanced alternative to X-ray imaging. Echocardiography or simply echo is also used to examine the pumping of the heart.

This is a non-invasive test, hence involves no pain or discomfort. The patient is also not exposed to any kind of harmful radiation like X-rays. Some of the different types of echocardiograms are:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram
• Transoesophagal echocardiogram
• Doppler echocardiogram
• Stress echocardiogram
• Dobutamine stress echocardiogram
• Intravascular ultrasound

Different tests mentioned here are used to detect a different abnormality. Not all of them are non-invasive. Some of them require anaesthesia to do the procedure. This article will focus on the regular echocardiogram.

When is it required?

A doctor would advise getting echocardiography done when there is any suspected abnormality in the function of the heart and the muscles around it. Poor pumping of the blood and defects in the heart muscles or valves can be detected via this test. It is also used to diagnose congenital heart problems of the unborn foetus.

In general, the test is advised to detect heart problems like

• Abnormal rhythms of the heart
• Heart murmurs
• Pulmonary hypertension
• blood clots after a stroke
• Congenital heart defects
• Inflammation of the heart is also known as pericarditis.
• Abnormality in heart valves
• Damage to the muscles after a heart attack
• Filling of fluid around the heart or pericardial effusion.
• to examine the ability of the heart to pump blood.
• To examine the size of the heart.

How is Echocardiogram done?

It is a non-invasive procedure and does not require hospitalisation. It is often done in clinics with the help of a sonographer.

To conduct the test, the patient will have to change into a hospital gown. The patient is then made to lie down to attach electrodes to the chest. These electrodes capture the electric current of the patient’s heart. The sonographer then uses the transducer to capture ultrasound images of the heart and its functioning. Any reading is noted immediately. The results are obtained almost immediately, after which you can consult your doctor to make a diagnosis.

What does the result mean?

The echocardiogram results, if it is normal, indicate a healthy heart with healthy functioning. This also includes normal blood circulation and ideal pressure inside the arteries. In case of abnormalities, the doctor discusses it in detail with the patient and considers the next course of action which may include more tests or medications.

An abnormality in the echocardiography may indicate a defect, which may be one of the defects mentioned earlier in this article.

Echocardiography test cost in Kolkata

Echocardiography is a relatively low-cost procedure. It is usually billed around 2000 INR. It may vary according to the complexity of the test and the facility where it is taken.

If you are looking for a reliable yet affordable option for taking an echocardiogram in Kolkata, AccuHealth is the place to be! To learn more about our echocardiography process and costs, get in touch with us today!