Echocardiogram How and Why It Is Performed

Has your doctor recommended an echocardiogram? Are you wondering what this test is and why it's commonly requested?Don’t worry—this article from Dalili Medical offers you a simplified yet comprehensive guide to echocardiography, also known as heart ultrasound. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this important test, its types, why it's done, and what to expect during the procedure.

✅ What Is an Echocardiogram?

Echocardiography, commonly known as heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart. It helps assess the heart's size, shape, pumping efficiency, valve function, and detect abnormalities in cardiac structure or performance.

This test is very similar to the ultrasound used during pregnancy but focuses on the heart, providing live images of the heartbeat and blood flow.

❓ Why Is Echocardiography Recommended?

Echocardiograms are essential tools in diagnosing many heart conditions. A doctor may request this test in the following situations:

• Chest pain or palpitations

• Unexplained shortness of breath

• Suspected heart failure

• Evaluation of heart valve diseases

• Monitoring of chronic heart conditions

• After a heart attack

• Pre-operative assessment before major surgeries

• Diagnosing congenital heart defects in children

Types of Echocardiography

There are several types of echocardiograms, and the choice depends on the condition being evaluated:

1. Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

   • The most common type

   • A transducer is placed on the chest to produce heart images

2. Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

   • A probe is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus

   • Provides clearer images of heart valves and detects clots in the left atrium

3. Stress Echocardiography

   • Done during or after physical exercise (or using medication)

   • Assesses heart function under stress

4. 3D/4D Echocardiography

   • Produces highly detailed 3D images of heart chambers and valves

   • Often used for surgical planning or post-surgical assessment

⚙️ How Is the Test Performed?

Echocardiography is simple and usually takes 20–40 minutes. Here's how it works:

• Preparation:
  No fasting is required for most types, except for TEE (requires 6-hour fasting).

• Positioning:
  You’ll lie on an exam table, usually on your left side.

• Imaging:
  A technician applies gel to the chest and uses a handheld device (transducer) to capture heart images.

• Analysis:
  Images are displayed in real-time and later interpreted by a cardiologist.

 What Can an Echocardiogram Detect?

An echocardiogram helps detect or assess the following:

• Strength of heart muscle contraction

• Enlargement or weakness of the heart

• Valve disorders (stenosis, regurgitation)

• Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)

• Congenital heart defects

• Blood clots inside heart chambers

• Cardiac tumors

• Pulmonary hypertension (high pressure in the lung artery)

 Benefits of Echocardiography

• Non-invasive and painless

• No harmful radiation

• Safe for all age groups, including pregnant women

• High accuracy in assessing heart function

• Can be repeated for ongoing monitoring

⚠️ Is Echocardiography Safe?

Yes, echocardiography is completely safe and well-tolerated by patients of all ages.
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not involve radiation. Only TEE may cause slight temporary discomfort due to the probe placement.

 Echocardiogram vs. ECG (Electrocardiogram)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does echocardiography detect clots?
✅ Yes. Especially TEE can detect small clots in the left atrium or ventricle.

Can echocardiography show blocked arteries?
❌ Not directly. However, it may indicate damage to the heart muscle caused by reduced blood flow. Stress echo is used in such cases, and follow-up with CT angiography or cardiac catheterization may be required.

Is fasting required for an echocardiogram?
❌ Not usually. Only TEE requires fasting (6 hours before the test).

Echocardiography Cost in Egypt (2025 Estimate)

Note: Prices vary by clinic, location, and urgency of results.

 Conclusion

Echocardiography is one of the most essential, safe, and accurate tools for diagnosing heart conditions, including valve diseases, heart muscle performance, and congenital defects. It’s non-invasive, widely available, and plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment planning.

If your doctor recommends an echocardiogram, there's no need to worry—it’s a simple and valuable step toward protecting your heart health.