Find Top Doctors for Echocardiogram (Heart ultrasound test)

🎉 Special Offer: Get 10% OFF on your video consultation with our verified doctors!

What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Is It Done?

An echocardiogram (often called echo) is a non-invasive heart test that uses sound waves to create live moving pictures of your heart. It shows how your heart pumps blood, how the heart chambers and valves are working, and how blood flows through the heart. No cuts or needles are needed, a small device called a transducer is moved over your chest to capture pictures.

Doctors use echocardiograms when they suspect heart problems, to check symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, or to follow up on known heart conditions.

Purpose & Benefits of Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram helps doctors learn important information about the heart.

· Checks heart structure: Shows the heart’s walls, chambers, and valves clearly.

· Measures heart function: Helps see how well the heart pumps blood.

· Detects valve problems: Finds leaking, narrowing, or other valve issues.

· Diagnoses defects: Can find heart problems that are present from birth.

· Safe and painless: No radiation is used, and most people can return to normal activities right away.

Who May Benefit from an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram may be helpful for people who:

· Have chest pain or shortness of breath.

· Have irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart sounds.

· Need monitoring of known heart disease (e.g., heart failure or valve disease).

· Need screening after a heart attack or heart surgery.

· Are at risk for congenital heart defects or other structural issues.

Types of Echocardiogram Tests

Different echo types are used depending on what doctors are checking:

· Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): Standard echo done from outside the chest.

· Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): Done from inside the food pipe (esophagus) for clearer pictures.

· Stress Echocardiogram: Images taken during or after exercise to see how the heart works under stress.

· Doppler Echo: Shows blood flow speed and direction inside the heart.

Echocardiogram Treatment Process

1. Preparation: For most echo tests, no specific preparation is needed. For transesophageal or stress tests, doctors may give special instructions.

2. During the Test: You lie down on a table and a gel is applied to the chest. A small device (transducer) sends sound waves through the chest, and the echo machine shows moving pictures of the heart.

3. Duration: A standard echo usually takes about 30–60 minutes.

4. After the Test: Most people go home the same day and can continue normal activities.

Duration & Setting

An echocardiogram is usually done in a hospital, clinic, or specialized imaging center by trained technicians and interpreted by a cardiologist. The entire visit often takes less than an hour, and results may be available soon after the test or through your doctor’s follow-up.

Safety, Precautions & Risks

Echocardiograms are generally safe and painless because they use sound waves, not radiation.

Possible mild effects:

  • Mild discomfort from pressure of the transducer on the chest.
  • Sore throat or mild throat irritation after a transesophageal echo.

Rare risks:

  • Very rare allergic reaction to contrast dye (if used).
  • Minor discomfort in shoulders or back if lying still for a while.

Echocardiogram vs ECG

  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to visualize heart structure and blood flow.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart but does not show moving images.

Both tests provide important information but are used for different purposes.

Dr. Rahul Ranjan - Internal medicine in

Dr. Rahul Ranjan

MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery

Internal medicineInternal medicine
Family MedicineFamily Medicine

Dr. Rahul Ranjan, a dedicated medical professional, graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Srinivas Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre. With a passion for healthcare, he has accumulated over 1 year of invaluable experience in the medical field. Dr. Ranjan is known for his commitment to patient well-being and his comprehensive understanding of medical sciences. His academic foundation at Srinivas Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre has equipped him with a solid knowledge base, and his practical experience has further honed his clinical skills.

Gali no-11,Ganeshpuri,Jagdeo Nagar, Gali no-11,Ganeshpuri,Jagdeo Nagar, Ara, Bihar, India, 802301

Clinic Consult
Dr. Aaditya Rushikesh Wani - Internal medicine in

Dr. Aaditya Rushikesh Wani

MBBS , GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Internal medicineInternal medicine
Family MedicineFamily Medicine
General PhysicianGeneral Physician

I am Dr.Aaditya , MBBS graduate. I have completed my Internship from GMERS MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL RAJPIPLA and I have had some good experience in emergency department, internal medicine department and various other departments.I am here to attend the patient with full care and to provide them with the most efficient advice that can be provided .

Vadodara, Gujarat, India, 390023

Video Consult
Dr. Laxman Jhuria - Internal medicine in

Dr. Laxman Jhuria

Consultant Physician

Internal medicineInternal medicine
RheumatologyRheumatology
CardiologyCardiology

MD internal medicine physician & Heart Specialist Special interest in ICU and critical care services

SCO 2046A, First floor, Sector 123, Sunny Enclave, Kharar, Kharar, Punjab, India, 140301

Appointment Request
Dr. Suraj Kumar - Internal medicine in

Dr. Suraj Kumar

MBBS (Gold Medalist )

Internal medicineInternal medicine
Family MedicineFamily Medicine

I’m working as general physician in public health I did my internship from Bicol medical center & Bicol regional training and teaching hospital Philippines. My schooling happen in Patna from BD PUBLIC SCHOOL . I did my pre-medicine from Ama school of medicine. In pre-medicine I’m also gold medalist Currently CMO OF DEVWANTI & ANJU HEALTHCARE

Katriya nagar, Aurangabad, Bihar, India, 824101

Clinic Consult
Dr. Gajendra Kumar - Homeopathy in

Dr. Gajendra Kumar

BHMS

HomeopathyHomeopathy

Dedicated Homeopathic General Physician committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare. With expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, he focuses on preventive care, accurate clinical assessment, and evidence-based treatment.

OPD NO. - 02, Sukham Arogyalay Multi-speciality Hospital, Mungeli Road, Near Narmada Nagar Chowk, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India, 405006

Clinic Consult Video Consult
Dr. Amit Singh - Cardiology in

Dr. Amit Singh

Consulting Cardiologist & Heart Failure Specialist

CardiologyCardiology
Interventional CardiologyInterventional Cardiology
Preventive MedicinePreventive Medicine

Trained in Cardiology & Medicine from one the finest & prestigious institute in the country I.e. Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai. Also, Fully certified in Heart Failure by European Society of Cardiology. Also, Certified in interventional cardiology by European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI).

12th floor, Shagun Insignia building, Shagun Corner, Sector 19, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 410206

Clinic Consult Video Consult
Dr. Sameer Purra - Internal medicine in

Dr. Sameer Purra

MD- General Medicine

Internal medicineInternal medicine
Family MedicineFamily Medicine

I began my academic journey at the prestigious University of Kashmir, where I pursued my Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. During my time there, I demonstrated exceptional dedication to my studies, consistently ranking among the top students in my class. After graduating with honors in 2015, I set my sights on further specialization to better serve my patients. I was accepted into the esteemed Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for my Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. I have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, I embarked on my professional journey as a physician at SKIMS, where I continues to practice today.

Skims Main Road, Soura, Srinagar South,, Jammu and Kashmir (State), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, 190011

Clinic Consult Video Consult
Dr. Prakriti Thakur - Internal medicine in

Dr. Prakriti Thakur

Internal Medicine

Internal medicineInternal medicine
Family MedicineFamily Medicine

Dr. Prakriti Thakur is a dedicated General Practitioner (GP) who graduated from Himachal Pradesh University in Himachal Pradesh. With a strong foundation in comprehensive healthcare, Dr. Thakur is committed to providing quality medical care to her patients. Her education and training have equipped her with the skills to address a wide range of health issues, making her a reliable resource for community health and wellness.

Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India, 177005

Video Consult
Dr. Farheen Taj - Unani in

Dr. Farheen Taj

GENERAL PHYSICIAN

UnaniUnani

I am expertise in treating all possible obstetrics and gynecologic cases which includes highly improved pre and post-natal care. I believe that healing starts from within and I am here to guide you towards a healthy living with my wise knowledge on medicine and medical practices.

#171, 'A' Block, Subashnagar main road, Bengaluru, Karnataka- 560068, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560068

Clinic Consult
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra - Pediatrics in

Dr. Rishabh Malhotra

MD Pediatrics

PediatricsPediatrics
Family MedicineFamily Medicine
Internal medicineInternal medicine

I had the opportunity to serve as a Senior Resident in the Department of Pediatrics, where I gained comprehensive experience in managing a wide range of pediatric conditions—from routine illnesses to complex neonatal and critical care cases. This role allowed me to work closely with infants, children, and adolescents, providing both inpatient and outpatient care, while actively participating in emergency pediatric services, immunization clinics, and developmental assessments. During this period, I developed strong diagnostic skills, honed my ability to make quick yet accurate clinical decisions, and deepened my understanding of pediatric pharmacology and child-specific treatment protocols.

Delhi, Delhi, India, 110024

Video Consult

Frequently Asked Questions

An echocardiogram is used to see how the heart’s chambers and valves work and to check how blood flows through the heart using sound waves.

No. The test is generally painless. You may feel slight pressure from the ultrasound device, but most people do not feel pain.

A typical echocardiogram takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the type of test and images needed.

Risks are rare. Some people may feel mild discomfort or light throat irritation with specific echo types like transesophageal echocardiograms.

For a standard transthoracic echo, no special preparation is usually needed. For transesophageal or stress echo, doctors will give specific instructions.

Yes. It is safe for most people, including children and adults, because it does not use harmful radiation.

Results are often reviewed by a cardiologist soon after the test or during a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

An echo shows moving images of heart structure and blood flow, while an ECG only shows the electrical activity of the heart.