Echocardiogram Test

Advanced echo scans for precise, real-time heart evaluation

Echocardiogram (2D, 3D & Stress Echo)

Overview

An Echocardiogram—commonly called an “echo”—is a sophisticated ultrasound imaging test that creates detailed, moving pictures of your heart. This safe, painless, non-invasive procedure allows your cardiologist to see your heart’s structure, watch how it pumps blood, evaluate valve function, and assess overall cardiac performance in real-time.

At Good Heart Clinic, we utilize state-of-the-art echocardiography technology including advanced 2D imaging, cutting-edge 3D visualization, and specialized stress echocardiography to provide the most comprehensive heart assessment available. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, have been diagnosed with heart disease, or need routine monitoring, an echocardiogram provides critical visual information that guides accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment planning.

Echocardiogram in Pune | 2D Echo Test

If you are looking for a reliable echocardiogram in Pune, Good Heart Clinic offers advanced 2D Echo testing to evaluate heart structure and function with precision.A 2D Echo test in Pune uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart, helping detect valve disorders, heart muscle weakness, and other cardiac conditions.

 

What is an Echocardiogram?

Echocardiogram Testing in Pune

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create detailed, real-time images of your heart’s structure and function. Just like ultrasound imaging used during pregnancy to see a baby, an echocardiogram uses the same safe technology to visualize your heart beating, blood flowing through chambers and valves, and the heart muscle contracting.

How It Works

The echocardiogram procedure involves:

  1. A transducer (ultrasound probe) is placed on your chest, coated with a special gel
  2. High-frequency sound waves are emitted from the transducer
  3. Sound waves bounce off your heart structures and return to the probe
  4. A computer processes these echoes and converts them into moving images
  5. Real-time video of your beating heart appears on a monitor

Types of Echocardiogram Test

We offers several types of echocardiography, each designed for specific diagnostic needs:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) - Standard 2D Echo

What it involves: The most common type of echo where a transducer is placed on your chest wall to obtain images through your chest (transthoracic means "across the chest").

Three-Dimensional Echocardiogram (3D Echo)

What it involves: Advanced echocardiography that creates three-dimensional images of your heart, providing volumetric visualization that's more accurate than traditional 2D imaging.

 

Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Echo)

Combines standard echocardiography with exercise stress testing or medication-induced stress to evaluate how your heart functions under increased workload.

Symptoms

Chest Pain

Pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest as well as Chest pain triggered by exertion

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing with exertion or at rest. Breathlessness that's gotten progressively worse

Heart Murmur

Your doctor heard an abnormal sound while listening to your heart with a stethoscope

Swelling (Edema)

Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet. Also, Sudden weight gain from fluid retention

Palpitations

Heart racing, pounding, or fluttering as well as Sensation of irregular heartbeat

Dizziness / Fainting

Feeling lightheaded, especially with exertion. Dizziness that occurs with palpitations

Fatigue & Weakness

Unusual, persistent tiredness. Inability to perform activities you previously could do

Heart Attack Symptoms

Current or recent chest pain concerning for heart attack.

Benefits

Completely Safe and Non-Invasive

No radiation exposure whatsoever (unlike X-rays, CT, or nuclear scans)
Uses only harmless sound waves—the same technology safely used in pregnancy
No side effects or aftereffects

Accurate Assessment of Heart Function

Calculates ejection fraction (EF)—the percentage of blood pumped with each beat
Measures stroke volume—amount of blood ejected per heartbeat
Assesses diastolic function—how well your heart relaxes and fills

Unmatched Valve Assessment

Only test that truly visualizes valve leaflets moving
Measures severity of valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking)
Guides timing of valve surgery or repair

Comprehensive Cardiac Evaluation

Heart failure and reduced pumping function
All types of valve disease (stenosis, regurgitation)
Congenital heart defects. Heart enlargement or thickening

Preparations

Preparation for an echocardiogram varies depending on the type of echo you’re having. Here’s what you need to know:

For Standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram (2D/3D Echo)

Eating and Drinking:

No fasting required - Eat and drink normally
Take your regular medications as prescribed
No restrictions on caffeine or other foods
Come well-hydrated (improves image quality)

Clothing

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Two-piece outfits work best (shirt/blouse and pants/skirt)
You'll need to remove your shirt and lie on your side
Avoid clothing with metal near the chest
For Stress Echocardiogram

More preparation needed due to exercise component:

Fasting:

  • Do not eat or drink for 3-4 hours before your test
  • Small sips of water are usually permitted
  • Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate) for at least 12 hours before

Clothing:

  • Wear athletic/exercise clothing and comfortable walking shoes
  • Men: comfortable shorts and t-shirt, athletic shoes
  • Women: sports bra, comfortable shorts/pants, t-shirt, athletic shoes
  • NO sandals, dress shoes, or flip-flop
What NOT to Do

For Standard/3D Echo:

Don't apply chest lotions or oils
Don't wear one-piece outfits
Don't wear clothing with metal near chest
Don't stop prescribed medications without asking

For Stress Echo:

Don't eat within 3-4 hours of test
Don't consume caffeine for 12 hours before
Don't exercise vigorously the morning of test
Don't stop beta-blockers without doctor approval
Don't wear inappropriate footwear

Procedure

Step 1: Preparation (5-10 minutes)
  • You’ll lie on your left side on the examination table
  • Pillow provided for your head
  • Your left arm positioned above your head or comfortably out of the way
  • Blanket provided for warmth and modesty (rooms kept cool for equipment)
Step 2: The Echocardiogram Imaging (30-45 minutes)

Gel Application

  • Warm ultrasound gel applied to your chest
  • Gel allows the ultrasound probe to glide smoothly and ensures good contact
  • May feel slightly cool or warm depending on room temperature

The Ultrasound Probe (Transducer)

  • A smooth, hand-held device about the size of a computer mouse
  • Technician (cardiac sonographer) will place probe on various positions on your chest
  • Firm pressure is applied – this is normal and necessary to get clear images through ribs and tissue
  • Pressure may feel uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful
  • Speak up if pressure becomes too uncomfortable

The technician will obtain images from several positions:

Parasternal Window (left chest):

  • Probe placed to the left of your breastbone
  • Views your heart’s long and short axes
  • Visualizes left ventricle, right ventricle, valves

Apical Window (under left breast):

  • Probe positioned at the point where you can feel your heartbeat (apex)
  • Shows all four chambers
  • Critical for measuring ejection fraction
  • May require lifting breast tissue (women) for proper positioning

Subcostal Window (upper abdomen):

  • Probe placed just below your ribcage
  • You may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it
  • Provides views of heart from below
  • Especially useful in patients with lung disease

Suprasternal Window (above collarbone):

  • Probe placed in the notch above your sternum
  • Visualizes the aorta
  • May feel unusual but not painful
Step 3: Completion and Cleanup (5 minutes)

Finishing Up

  • Technician will remove ECG electrodes
  • You’ll wipe off ultrasound gel with provided towels (it’s water-based and non-staining)
  • Some gel may remain – easily washes off with soap and water later
  • You’re free to get dressed

Immediate Post-Echo:

  • No recovery time needed
  • No restrictions on activities
  • You can eat, drink, drive, work immediately
  • No side effects or aftereffects

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

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We believe that every patient deserves absolute confidence in their care plan.

Contact With Us!

303, A, Choice Apartments Opp Vohuman Cafe , Dhole Patil Road , Pune

Support mail: drharshalingle@gmail.com

Opening Hours: Mon -Sat: 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM

Emergency 24h: +91-9960983960