Echocardiography (echo)
An ultrasound scan of the heart

An echocardiogram, or “2D echo”, uses ultrasound to show the heart’s chambers, valves and pumping in real time. It is one of the most common heart tests, uses no radiation and needs no special preparation. Echocardiography is done in the cardiology department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Lucknow.

Book an echo Call 0522-666-4444
Echo on site DM cardiologists No radiation Adults and children

Ask about an echo test

Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
About the test

What is an echocardiogram?

A small probe with gel is moved over the chest. It sends sound waves that bounce off the heart and form moving pictures on a screen. Colour Doppler shows the direction and speed of blood flow through the valves.

  • Takes about 20 to 40 minutes
  • No needles for a standard echo
  • Shows heart size, pumping strength and valves
  • Detects fluid around the heart and some birth defects
  • Can be repeated safely to monitor changes

Pumping

Measures ejection fraction (EF).

Valves

Checks for narrowing or leaking valves.

Safe

No radiation, safe in pregnancy.

Quick

Report usually the same day.

0Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
0+Specialities under one roof
Why it is done

Why your doctor may advise an echo

Common reasons include:

Breathlessness

To check for heart failure or valve disease.

Chest pain or after a heart attack

To see how the heart muscle is working.

A heart murmur

To look at the valves.

Leg swelling

To check heart function.

High blood pressure

To check thickening of the heart.

Before surgery

To assess fitness for anaesthesia.

In children

To check for heart defects.

Follow-up

After heart surgery or treatment.

Severe chest pain or breathlessness now? Do not wait for an outpatient echo. Come to the 24×7 emergency department or call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Preparation

How to prepare

A standard echo needs no special preparation.

Eat and take medicines

As usual, unless told otherwise.

Clothing

Wear a two-piece outfit; you will be asked to uncover the chest. A gown is provided.

Bring reports

Previous echo, ECG and angiography reports.

Other types of echo

If your doctor advises a different type of echo, the team will give you specific instructions.

On the day

What happens during the test

Here is what to expect.

During the echo

You lie on your left side. Small ECG stickers are placed on your chest. The cardiologist or technician moves the probe with gel over different areas of the chest and may ask you to breathe in, out or hold your breath.

Takes about 20 to 40 minutesYou may hear whooshing sounds of blood flowSlight pressure from the probe

Afterwards

  • Wipe off the gel
  • Return to normal activities
  • No recovery time needed

Report

  • Usually ready the same day
  • Discuss it with your doctor
Your report

Understanding common terms in your report

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Ejection fraction (EF)

The percentage of blood pumped out with each beat. Around 55 to 70 percent is generally normal; your doctor will explain your value.

Valve findings

“Stenosis” means narrowing; “regurgitation” means leaking. Trace or mild leaks are common and often not significant.

Wall motion

Areas that move less may suggest damage from reduced blood supply.

Contact us urgently if

  • Chest pain at rest
  • Sudden breathlessness
  • Fainting or a very fast heartbeat
0522-666-4444
Your heart team

Cardiology team

Cardiac sciences Heart attack Valve surgery
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Doctor’s prescription
  • Previous echo and ECG reports
  • List of medicines

Costs & insurance

Ask our team for the current echo charges. Outpatient tests may or may not be covered by your insurance policy.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is a 2D echo the same as an ECG?

No. An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity; an echo is an ultrasound that shows the heart’s structure and pumping.

Do I need to fast?

Not for a standard echo.

Is echo safe in pregnancy?

Yes. It uses sound waves, not radiation.

How long does the test take?

About 20 to 40 minutes.

Can children have an echo?

Yes. It is commonly used to check for heart defects in children.

Glossary

Words you may hear

EFEjection fraction, a measure of pumping strength.
DopplerUltrasound technique that shows blood flow.
StenosisNarrowing of a valve.
RegurgitationLeaking of a valve.
LVLeft ventricle, the main pumping chamber.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Heart attack Aortic valve surgery All tests and scans

Book an echo test

Bring your doctor’s prescription. Call 0522-666-4444.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

Explore other clinical departments
Call hospital Book visit