Heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death in many countries. In 2006, an estimated 26% of all deaths were caused by heart-related issues. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be diagnosed, treated, or prevented if doctors and physicians have the right tools at their disposal and are able to diagnose pathologies at the earliest. The recovery of dense myocardial displacement from 4D Echocardiography is an essential attempt in this regard, as it has several applications, including in diagnostics, modeling, simulation, and training.
If you are located in Delhi, search for a ‘4D echo test near me’ center, Or search Star Imaging Diagnostic Center to take your test.
Overview
The echocardiogram test uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart. This routine test will show your doctor that your heart is beating and your blood is pumping. Your doctor may use echocardiogram images to diagnose heart disease.
Depending upon what information your doctor requires, you may have one of several types of echocardiograms. Each type of echocardiogram carries certain, if any, risks.
Why it’s done
Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram to:
- Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart
- Check if the problems in your heart are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
- to detect congenital heart problems before birth, also known as (fetal echocardiogram)
The type of echocardiogram you have depends on the information your doctor requires.
Transthoracic echocardiogram
In this standard type of echocardiogram:
- A sonographer spreads gel on a device named (a transducer).
- The sonographer presses the transducer strongly against your skin, aiming an ultrasound beam through your chest reaching your heart.
- The transducer then records the sound wave echoes from your heart.
- A computer then converts the echoes into moving images on a monitor.
If your lungs or ribs prevent vision, you may need a small amount of the medicine injected through an intravenous (IV) line. An amplifier that is normally safe and well-tolerated will make the structures in your heart more clearly visible on the monitor.
Transesophageal echocardiogram
If your doctor requires images in a more detailed form or has difficulty obtaining a clear picture of your heart using a standard echocardiogram, your doctor may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram.
Thus:
You will have a sore throat, and you will be given medication to help you relax.
The flexible tube with the transducer passes through the throat and into the tube that connects the mouth and stomach (esophagus). The transmitter then helps in detecting a sound wave bouncing off your heart.
The computer converts the sounds into detailed moving pictures of your heart that your doctor sees on the monitor.
Doppler echocardiogram
Sound waves change pitch as they collide with blood cells that move the heart and blood vessels. These changes (Doppler signals) can help your doctor measure the rate and direction of blood flow to your heart.
Doppler techniques are often used in transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms. Doppler techniques can also be taken to check blood flow issues and blood pressure in the arteries of your heart — which traditional ultrasound might not detect.
The blood flow displayed on the monitor screen is colorized to help your doctor pinpoint any present problems.
Stress echocardiogram
Certain heart problems — particularly those that involve the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle (coronary arteries) — occur only during physical activity. Your doctor might recommend a stress echocardiogram to check for coronary artery problems. However, an echocardiogram can’t provide information about any blockages in the heart’s arteries. On the exercise echocardiogram:
Ultrasound images of your heart are taken before and immediately after walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike.
If you can’t exercise, you can inject medication to keep your heart beating faster when you exercise.
Risk
There is no risk associated with a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You may feel uncomfortable due to the sensor being held firmly on your chest. It takes strength to create the best images of your heart.
If you have a transoesophageal echocardiogram, you may have a sore throat within a few hours. Rarely can the tube rupture inside the throat. The level of oxygen present in your heart will be checked during the examination in order to diagnose any breathing difficulties due to medication sedation.
During a stress echocardiogram, exercise or medication – not the echocardiogram itself – can temporarily cause an irregular heartbeat. Any serious complications, such as a heart attack, are rare.
How to prepare
Food and medicine
The standard transthoracic echocardiogram does not require any special preparation. You can eat, drink and take medication as per normal routine. If you attempt a transoesophageal echocardiogram, your physician will ask you not to eat it several hours in advance.
Other provisions
If you have a transoesophageal echocardiogram, you may not be able to drive because of the medications you may be receiving. Make sure you make your way home.
Result
Information from the echocardiogram may show:
- Changes in the size of your heart. Damaged or weak heart valves, high blood pressure, or other diseases can result in swelling of the heart chambers or lead to abnormal swelling of the heart walls.
- Pump performance. Measurements obtained from the echocardiogram include the percentage of blood pumped from the entire ventricle to the heart rate (ejection fraction) and the amount of blood pumped to the heart per minute (cardiac output). A heart that does not draw enough blood to meet your body’s needs can lead to symptoms of heart failure.
- Damage to the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can help your doctor determine if all parts of the heart wall are normally contributing to your heart’s pumping activity. Parts of the heart wall that are weak to function can be damaged by a heart attack or receive very little oxygen.
- Valve problems. An echocardiogram can help your doctor determine if the valves in your heart are open enough for sufficient blood flow or completely closed to prevent blood clots.
- Heart defects. The echocardiogram may show ventricular problems, abnormal connections between the heart and large blood vessels, and complex heart defects present at birth.
How do I obtain the results?
After a cardiologist has thoroughly viewed your test, the results will be entered into your electronic medical record or health device. Your physician will have access to the results and will discuss them with you.
How do I feel during the test?
You will feel no great discomfort during the test. You may feel a cooling sensation on your skin from the gel on the transducer and a slight pressure of the transducer on your chest.
How long does the test take?
The appointment will take around 40 minutes to get done. After the test, you may put back on your attire, and go home or go to your other scheduled appointments.
4D echo price in Delhi
Rates may vary with different centers where this test is performed. Star Imaging offers you the best test schedule at your convenience and at a very minimal cost that is not heavy in your pockets.
Conclusion
Your heart is your life-long asset. Take good care of it. Never delay on your 4D echo test.
