What is a 2D Echo test?
In a 2D Echocardiogram (2D Echo) test sound waves are used to produce images of your heart. The test allows your doctor to see how your heart is beating and pumping blood.
Why have I been asked to get a 2D Echo test done?
A 2D Echo test is a test that produces live images of your heart using sound waves. It is performed to:
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To evaluate any abnormalities in the heart and its valves.
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To diagnose the cause for irregular heartbeats
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To diagnose coronary heart disease (CHD)
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Examine chest pain or difficulty in breathing and determine any connection with heart problem.
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Detecting narrow arteries.
Names of Previous reports/scans required?
Any relevant doctor files and reports including:
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X-ray of the chest
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ECG report
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Angioplasty details and report
How long is the procedure for?
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Total time – 1 hr
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Test time- 30-45 mins
Can I walk in for a 2D Echo test without prior appointment?
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Yes (Confirm by calling on 8869906990 before arriving at the centre)
History of allergy?
N/A
How is the 2D echo test done?
- Details of any significant medical history or surgery should be mentioned before the test.
- Once you are t settled on the table a special gel is applied on the chest
- Then a transducer (which looks like a very thick blunt pen) is moved over the gel area
- Pulses of ultrasound are sent from the transducer through the skin towards your heart. The ultrasound waves then echo from the heart. For example, ultrasound travels freely through fluid, so there is little echo from blood in heart chambers. But, heart valves are dense tissues so ultrasound hitting a valve will echo back clearly.
- This is recorded and turned into images or graphs
- The test takes about 10-15 mins
- Once the recording is done, you can wipe the gel from your body and wait for the report.
