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What is Echocardiogram?
An Echocardiogram, commonly known as ‘Echo’, is a non-invasive test that helps a cardiologist in assessment of the patient’s heart. Through this test, a cardiologist can better see the structure of the heart without disturbing its function. An Echocardiogram is suggested when a cardiologist suspects any structural or functional abnormality in heart walls, heart valves or blood vessels attached to it. A standard 2D Echo displays a cross section or ‘slice’ of the heart.
How is it performed?
This test is performed directly through the chest or abdominal wall of the patient without any prick or incision. A clear gel is applied on the chest which allows smooth movement of the transducer. This transducer, just like an ultrasound probe, produces inaudible, high-frequency sounds waves which get reflected by internal organs. The transducer picks up these reflected waves and represents them on screen in the form of pictures.
Usually, in normal cases this test can be completed within few minutes. However, if any abnormality is found during the test, it may take much longer.
What is colour Doppler?
Colour Doppler is a special element of the Echo test through which the cardiologist assesses the pattern of blood flow through heart. It evaluates the pressure with which the blood is flowing through heart valves, chambers and blood vessels. The transducer receives the reflected sound waves and shows them in form of different colours in screen which represents speed and direction of blood flow.
What is foetal echo?
Foetal Echo is the application of Echocardiography in the cardiac evaluation of an unborn baby, usually during second trimester. Just like a normal Echo test, transducer is placed over the abdomen of the pregnant lady and the structure of baby’s heart is mapped on screen. Foetal echocardiography helps in early detection of heart defects which allows better planning and early intervention once the baby is delivered.
What is 3D Echo?
3D Echo is one of the latest developments in the field of Echocardiography that addresses many limitations of 2D Echo. It offers a real-time, single beat mapping of the heart, unlike 2D Echo which shows only cross sections of the heart taken at different time and from different angles. That means, cardiologist can assess the condition of patient’s heart without the need of graphical reconstruction, thus increasing the accuracy of the test. This technology is especially useful in case of valve defects.
Very few centres have the facility of fetal and 3D echo on account of high level of expertise and technology required for both of them.
