Tests are important to see the movements of the heart in a detailed representation. Echocardiogram is one such test essential for determining the conditions of the heart. It helps doctors detect the most critical health conditions.

An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a graphical representation of the heart's movements. It creates images of the heart using sound waves and scans the heart and the blood vessels near it. Echo is carried out above the skin. Therefore, unlike an X-ray, it does not emit radiation. This procedure uses several techniques, the most common being the 2D echo test.

Doctors will suggest an echo when they suspect conditions concerning the heart. Echo helps understand the problem better and helps doctors draw better conclusions.

A doctor might suggest an echo test if he suspects the following conditions based on the symptoms:

1. Aneurysm

An aneurysm is caused when the artery walls start thinning. Areas that are weaker than the rest start bulging.

Symptoms of Aneurysm:

• Nausea
• Fainting
• Being sensitive to light
• Loss of consciousness

2. Cardiac Tumour

It is a tumour that grows on the heart’s surface, within one of its chambers or areas near it. Cardiac tumours are of two types: benign, which are non-cancerous and malignant, which are cancerous. Benign heart tumours are more common than malignant tumours.

Symptoms of Cardiac Tumour:

• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Light-headedness
• Shortness of breath

3. Cardiomyopathy

It is a condition that occurs when the heart is enlarged due to a weak muscle.

Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy:

• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Feeling breathless even while resting
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen ankles and feet

4. Heart Failure

It is a condition where the heart becomes weak and is unable to pump blood effectively.

Symptoms of Heart Failure:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Lack of energy
• Nausea
• Constant feeling of weakness
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Loss of appetite

5. Heart Valve Disease

When one or more valves of the heart start functioning abnormally, it causes disruptions in blood flow. This may cause the valves to narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow to the other parts.

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Abdominal pain
• Unusual shortness of breath while doing any activity

6. Pericarditis

This condition is caused when thin saclike tissues surrounding the heart start to swell.

Symptoms of Pericarditis:

• Sharp pain in the chest
• Pain shifting towards the left shoulders
• Constant coughing
• Chest pain gets worse while coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of weakness

Mentioned above are some conditions which doctors suspect when suggesting an echo test. However, there might be other conditions that doctors want to check and be sure of while suggesting an echo.

This process of medical examination has no risks. This procedure is carried out from above the skin, which means it is non-invasive. In addition, it does not emit radiation like an X-ray.

They are conducted with the help of a device known as a transducer positioned in various places in the chest. Medical technicians apply pressure during the process, and patients have to lie down throughout the procedure, which can be discomforting for some.

No preparations are required before an echocardiogram. There are specific tests which require patients to remain empty stomach or without drinking water. However, an echo test requires no such conditions beforehand.

• Doctors explain the procedure before it starts.
• Before taking the test, patients must tell the doctors about their medical history and their prescribed medicines.
• Those who use a pacemaker must let the doctor know about their condition.
• After learning about a patient's medical history, doctors suggest additional preparations.

Listed below is the procedure of an Echocardiogram test:

Step 1: You must remove any jewellery or metal before the procedure begins but are not required to remove your glasses or hearing aids if they use one.

Step 2: Remove your clothing from above the waist and change into the gown.

Step 3: Lie on their left side during the process.

Step 4: Electrodes will be placed on the chest, which monitor the heartbeat. The screen displays images of the heart's activity.

Step 5: A small amount of warm gel will be spread on the chest by medical technicians, and the transducer is moved across the skin. This is done in order to take images of the heart. During this, patients might feel a slight pressure on their chest.

Step 6: Technicians will apply varying amounts of pressure to get pictures of different parts and structures of the heart. At any moment, if the pressure starts to get uncomfortable, you should let them know.

Step 7: You will be asked to take deep breaths or hold your breaths according to your needs.

After the procedure, technicians remove the gel from their chest, and the patients can put their clothes back on.

There is no specific aftercare for an echocardiogram test. Patients can live their usual lifestyle without having to worry about anything.

It is a vital medical examination procedure which doctors suggest. It does not have any risks involved and is very safe. In addition, it helps detect conditions related to the heart. Doctors suggest an echocardiogram when patients have conditions associated with chest pain which do not go away after primary medication.