Heart echo is future of diagnostics, can detect many ailments, say doctors

Nagpur: Despite the cost of a modern 2D or 3D echocardiogram being comparable to the price of a movie ticket, many people hesitate to undergo the procedure, even when doctors recommend it. Doctors attached to Cardiological Society of India (CSI) Vidarbha Chapter have appealed to the general public to not hesitate from getting a 2D echo.“It is a safe procedure as it does not involve radiation exposure, and nowadays, it is becoming increasingly accessible in cities and towns. Echo plays a crucial role in diagnosing heart conditions and monitoring heart health,” said Dr Vipul Seta, president of CSI Vidarbha.The 19th Annual Echo Meeting ‘ECHO NAGPUR 2023’ began officially on Friday. This is a unique initiative by cardiologists to educate doctors as well as patients about recent advances in the diagnostic technology.“New-age echo provides better images of the heart compared to a conventional ECG. While an ECG shows the heart’s electrical activity, 2D echocardiography uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart. This helps doctors see different parts of the heart and how they are working,” explained Dr Shantanu Sengupta, programme director of Echo summit. He recalled how the Echo Nagpur summits are promoting this better diagnostic tool and its latest advancements since the last 19 years. “Doctors across central India are getting information about the latest development in this field through us. Now, we want to reach patients too. Awareness can save many lives,” said Dr Sengputa.With 2D echocardiography, doctors can assess the size, shape, and movement of the heart’s chambers, valves, and walls. It also helps them find any problems or abnormalities in the heart.“Unlike ECG, 2D echocardiography allows a detailed visual examination of the heart’s structure and function, making it a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions,” added cardiologist Dr Mahesh Fulwani.Looking at the worrying increase in the cases of young-age heart attack cases, veteran cardiologist Dr Aziz Khan said that proper heart assessment after the age of 35 years should be conducted by every working professional.“Lifestyle is the factor responsible for early age heart ailments. Stress, lack of physical exercise, smoking and drinking are the major reasons,” said Dr Khan.The inaugural day of the Echo Nagpur summit began at the cardiac surgery department of the Super Specialty Hospital (SSH), Nagpur on Friday with the live workshops for more than 100 delegates. On Saturday, veterans of cardiology and cardiac surgery will deliver lectures.