What Is a 2D Echo Test Benefits, Procedure & When You Need It

In our busy schedule of routine life, we hardly get time to take care of our body. But the heart diseases are increasing at a rapid rate and have become a major cause of death among many patients. The good news is with early diagnosis and prevention you can take care of your heart and can keep it in good condition. 

The most common tool to know the heart condition is 2D Echocardiogram also known as 2D Echo test. Today, this blog will talk about the 2D Echo test in Mumbai, its working, benefits and when it is needed.

What is a 2D Echo Test?

2D Echo test is a non-invasive, painless imaging test that shows heart’s live images through ultrasound waves. With these images doctors can know your heart structure and its functioning in real time, that include chambers, blood flow and valves.

This test is termed as ‘2D’ or two dimensional, meaning the images give a cross-sectional heart view. With this test cardiologist gets a precise picture of the heart to detect any abnormalities.

Why is a 2D Echo test done?

Below are some of the information your doctor will know with 2D test;

  • Heart size, shape and its chambers.
  • Heart’s pumping strength
  • Heart wall movements.
  • Functioning of heart valves.
  • Amount of fluid present around the heart.
  • Presence of any clots, infections or masses in the heart.
  • Abnormal blood flow direction with velocity

Benefits of 2D Echo test

  • Non-invasive and safe

The 2D echo test is completely non-invasive. It doesn’t involve injections, or radiation and hence it is considered as extremely safe even for pregnant women and children.

  • Quick and painless

It takes only 20-45 minutes to complete this imaging test. Patients will not feel any discomfort, other than some mild pressure of the probe.

  • Real-time visualization

Doctor’s can know the real-time heart functionality, and this is important to detect dynamic abnormalities like arrhythmias and valve malfunctions.

  • Accurate diagnosis

With 2D Echo test doctors can easily determine problems like breath shortness, heart murmurs, chest pain or irregular heartbeats. 

  • Early Detection of heart conditions

Through this test doctors can diagnose problems like congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy and pericarditis. This early diagnosis helps patients to get timely treatment to avoid further complications.

Types of 2D Echocardiograms

Although ‘2D echo’ is considered as a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, there are many variations in it as per the clinical need:

  • Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): In this process a transducer is kept on the chest.
  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): In this a probe is inserted on the lower end of the esophagus to get clear pictures, often used in complicated conditions.
  • Stress Echocardiogram: Done during or after exercise to know the heart condition under stress.
  • Dobutamine Stress Echo: For patients that can’t exercise, stimulation of exercise effect is done through medication.

The 2D Echo Test Procedure

Below is the step-by-step procedure on what you must expect during a standard transthoracic 2D Echo test:

Step 1:  Preparation

  • No special preparation is required.
  • Patients need to wear hospital gown and lie on the left side.

Step 2: Application of Gel

  • A water-based gel will be applied to the chest. This gel helps in smooth transmission of ultrasound waves.

Step 3: Use of Transducer

  • A handheld equipment named a transducer will be kept on the chest.
  • Transducer sends sound waves into the chest and receives the echoes as these waves bounce off heart structures.

Step 4: Image Capture

  • These echoes captured by sound waves are displayed on a monitor.
  • You may need to hold the breath for a few seconds or change positions to get clear images.

Step 5: Interpretation 

  • From the images, your cardiologist will determine the heart’s condition.
  • You can expect a detailed heart’s report within a few hours or the next day.

When is a 2D echo test required?

Your cardiologist will advice you this 2D echo test if you are experiencing:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Breath shortness
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Swelling in the legs or ankles
  • Detection of murmurs during physical examination.

Also, if you have had a stroke, surgery or heart attack previously, a sonography in Mumbai will be recommended to know the damage and recovery.

Who Should Get a 2D Echo?

2D echo tests aren’t only for patients with symptoms, below are some more conditions in which this test is recommended.

  • Routine checkup for those with diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Examining heart health in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Examining athletes with a possibility of heart issues.
  • Pre-operative assessments before non-cardiac surgeries.

Are There Any Risks?

Usually, there is no risk involved in 2D Echo in Mumbai. Some patients may experience slight pressure on the chest due to the transducer, but that is quite normal. For echocardiograms and transesophageal, mild doses of sedation and throat spay are used that are completely safe.

Final Thoughts

The 2D echo test is a non-invasive, and effective tool that helps doctors to know heart conditions. Whether your body is experiencing some symptoms of heart disease, or simply you are proactive about your heart health, this test can diagnose properly to avail effective treatment.

Normally, most heart diseases can be identified with ‘2D echo’ test, in case of any further complications, your doctor may suggest 3d echo test.