Echocardiogram

There are several types of echocardiograms, each offering unique benefits in diagnosing and managing heart diseases. Common types of echocardiograms involve -

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): It is the most common type of echocardiogram in which an ultrasound probe is placed on the chest wall to generate images of the heart's structure and function. It is a non-invasive and painless test that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): It is a more invasive type of echocardiogram in which a tiny probe is inserted into the esophagus to get a clearer view of the heart's structures and functions. TEE is usually done under sedation and takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.
• Stress Echocardiogram - It is a type of echocardiogram that is performed during or after exercise or medication-induced stress. The aim is to assess the heart's function and blood flow under stress.
• Fetal Echocardiogram - It is an echocardiogram performed on pregnant women to evaluate the fetal heart's structure and function.

Echocardiograms are used to evaluate the heart's function and structure and diagnose various heart conditions such as - 

• Heart valve diseases
• Congenital heart diseases
• Cardiomyopathies
• Pericardial diseases
• Aortic diseases
• Heart failure
• Coronary artery diseases
• Arrhythmias

The doctor may use different techniques in echocardiography, some of which are as follows - 

• 2D Echocardiography - It is the most basic and widely used technique that produces two-dimensional images of the heart's structures and functions.
• 3D Echocardiography - It is an advanced technique that uses multiple 2D images to create a 3D image of the heart. It provides a more detailed and accurate image of the heart's structures and functions.
• Doppler Echocardiography - It is a technique that uses ultrasound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the heart and blood vessels.
• Strain Echocardiography - It is a technique that measures the deformation or strain of the heart muscle to evaluate its function.

BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super speciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering super speciality cardiac care in the entire eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac rehabilitation services, cath labs and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of cardiac ailments. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Centre for an Echocardiogram in Kolkata -

• Highly qualified and experienced cardiologists
• Cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• Transparent pricing structure for cost-effective treatment. 
• Patient-centric high-quality care for a high success rate