Echocardiography (2D echo)

Echocardiography, commonly referred to as 2D Echo, is a safe, non-invasive, and painless test that uses ultrasound waves to produce real-time, moving images of the heart. It allows doctors to visualize the chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow of the heart.

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What It Evaluates:

• Size and shape of the heart

• Pumping strength (ejection fraction)

• Functioning of heart valves

• Presence of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)

• Structural abnormalities (e.g., congenital heart defects)

• Blood clots or tumors in the heart

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Procedure:

• A handheld device called a transducer is placed on the chest.

• It sends sound waves that bounce off the heart structures and are converted into moving images on a screen.

• The test typically takes 20–30 minutes and does not involve any radiation.

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Types of Echocardiography:

• Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): Standard method, performed on the chest.

• Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): A probe is inserted into the esophagus for more detailed views (done under mild sedation).

• Stress Echo: Performed before and after exercise or medication to assess heart under stress.

• Contrast Echo: Uses a special dye for clearer images when needed.

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Why It’s Done:

• To evaluate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations

• To diagnose or monitor heart disease, valve disorders, hypertension effects, and cardiomyopathy

• After heart attack or stroke to assess heart function

Echocardiography (2D Echo) is a crucial tool in modern cardiology for early detection, diagnosis, and management of various heart conditions.