2D Echo or two-dimensional echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to map the structure and functioning of your heart in real time. It is a non-invasive, painless procedure that is widely used by cardiologists to assess the health of your heart.

Why is 2D Echo Done?

A 2D Echo can be advised if you seek medical attention complaining of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Congenital heart defects

Your cardiologist will be able to see your heart’s condition better through this imaging test. The test will give a clearer picture regarding the following:

• The size and thickness of the heart walls
• The strength of the heart’s contractions
• The condition of the heart valves and their function
• The amount of blood pumped by the heart per beat (ejection fraction)
• The presence of any blood clots or other abnormalities in the heart

Once your heart’s original condition is mapped out a diagnosis can be made and you can get a customized treatment plan. 

How Is 2D Echo Done?

On the day of the test, you can eat and drink normally but it will be better if you wear comfortable clothing. When you arrive at the diagnostic center, you will be asked to lie on an exam table, usually on your left side. The technician will apply a special gel to your chest to help the sound waves conduct easily and allow the transducer (a small, handheld device) to slide smoothly over the skin. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves to your heart, which bounce back to create images of your heart’s structure and function. The technician glides the transducer on different positions on your chest to get the images of your heart from all the required angles. You can see the images displayed on a monitor in real-time. The technician records the images and sends them to your cardiologist. The test takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete depending on what kind of observations your doctor has asked for.

2D Echo Vs ECG

An ECG is used to understand the heart’s activity, rhythm, blood flow, shape and size, etc. It is used as a preliminary test to get a rough idea about the condition of the heart or the root cause of the symptoms. A 2D Echo, on the other hand, is a more detailed test used to get an image of the heart’s chamber and valves and blood flow patterns. It can give advanced information about the condition of the heart to help your doctor narrow down the exact issue and devise a treatment plan accordingly. In some cases, both tests may be needed to fully evaluate the heart and determine the best course of treatment.