Two-dimensional Echocardiogram, also known as 2D Echo is a non-invasive ultrasound test used to analyse the heart function and capability The test makes use of sound waves and ultrasound for evaluating the heart Health. 2D Echo test can provide various information regarding the patient’s heart such as:

• The heart’s size and function.
• Thickness of the heart muscle.
• Appearance of the valve .
• Presence of any birth defects like holes.

It does not require special preparation prior to the test. The patient will be allowed to take all the medications that he/she used to take before, as per the doctor’s instructions. You may not need to make any dietary changes before the test. Normal physical activities are allowed. The whole procedure may take less than 1 hour to complete.

The test will be carried out by a trained cardiologist. The patient may have to undress from the waist up and wear a medical gown. The cardiologist will attach small adhesive patches on the patient’s body, which will be having wires to record the timing of heart beat. A small hand-helped transducer and water-soluble gel will be used to obtain the ultrasound pictures of the heart. In order to see the pictures better, the light will be deemed. The patient’s laying position may have to be changed in order to get enhanced pictures. The cardiologist may apply added pressure with the scanning probe to get a more clear view of certain areas. To evaluate the heart murmur and blood flow patterns, a color Doppler ultrasound will be performed. The scanning instrument is then switched to 2D mode. Additional information regarding the direction and distribution of the blood flow can be obtained through the colour ultrasound. The test comprises of Doppler as well as colour evaluation of the heart.

The procedure is considered to be safe and painless as the sound waves used are not harmful. There can be minimal discomfort due to the pressure of the transducer against the skin. There cannot be any risks and complications involved in this procedure. The test result will be analysed and interpreted by the cardiologist after the procedure.