Echocardiography test is done on an ultrasound machine and uses sound waves to produce a moving image of the heart and to see how it is functioning(ejection fraction).

At BR Diagnostics 2D Echocardiography with Colour Doppler is performed by highly skilled and experienced Non invasive Clinical Cardiologists.

How does it work?

Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves (also called ultrasound) that can provide a moving picture of your heart. The sound waves are sent through the body with a device called a transducer. The sound waves bounce off of the heart and return to the transducer as echoes. The echoes are converted into images on a television monitor to produce pictures of your heart in motion.

• One-dimensional or M-mode echocardiography is one beam of ultrasound directed toward the heart. Doctors most often use M-mode echocardiography to see just the left side (or main pumping chamber) of your heart.
• Two-dimensional echocardiography produces a broader moving picture of your heart. Two-dimensional echocardiography is one of the most important diagnostic tools for doctors.
• Doppler echocardiography measures blood flowing through the arteries and shows the pattern of flow through the heart.

What should I expect?

No special preparation is needed before you have an echocardiogram.

During the test, you will lie on an examination table.

The Doctor will put a non toxic harmless gel on your chest and then will use the ultrasound transducer to send and receive the sound waves. The transducer will be placed directly on the left side of your chest, above your heart. You may be asked to breathe in or out or to briefly hold your breath during the test. But, for most of the test, you will lie still.

An echocardiogram may take up to 10-15 minutes to perform. You will not have any pain or discomfort during the test.