Echo and Color Doppler

What is Echocardiography / Color Doppler?

This test uses high-frequency sound waves or ultrasound echoes to observe the movement of the heart muscle, the current condition of valves and chambers, and blood flow through the contraction and relaxation of the heart. It is commonly known as Echo. The cost of this test is somewhat higher.

This test is performed to understand the current condition of a heart patient and decide the necessary treatment. It is also used to monitor the progress of patients suffering from valve complications or to assess the patient’s condition after surgery.

Preparation

No special preparation is required for a standard echocardiogram. Patients can eat normally before the test. If the patient is regularly taking medication for heart disease, they should continue to take it. In severe cases, an echo can be done without an ECG.

Procedure

The test is done on bare skin. The patient is asked to lie on their left side on the examination table. During the test, three electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest for the electrocardiogram monitor. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the chest to capture images through ultrasound waves.

A special gel is applied to the skin and the tip of the transducer to obtain clear images. This gel is harmless to the skin.

Although the ultrasound waves used are beyond human hearing range, some people might hear faint sounds in rare cases. To capture images from different positions of the heart, the patient may be asked to change positions occasionally or hold their breath briefly.

This is a non-invasive and painless test. The gel might feel cold on the skin, and slight pressure may be felt when the transducer is moved on the skin. The test usually takes about 40 minutes, and the patient can resume normal activities immediately after.

After the test, the patient receives a printout of the heart images and a written report from the doctor. The cardiologist who ordered the test will review the report and make decisions regarding treatment.