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Overview
What is heart failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This may cause fluid buildup in the lungs and body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.
Common causes include high blood pressure, heart attack, and weakened heart muscles. Treatment includes medicines, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, advanced therapies such as an LVAD or heart transplant.
Who is commonly affected?
Heart failure (HF) is a serious condition that affects the heart and other body systems, with a significant health and economic burden worldwide. In India, heart failure accounts for about 65% of cases.
Causes / Why It Happens
Heart failure can develop when the heart becomes weak or damaged due to conditions such as:
- Coronary artery disease and heart attack – Reduced blood flow or damage to the heart muscle can weaken the heart's pumping ability
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – Makes the heart work harder over time
- Heart valve disease – Faulty valves force the heart to pump harder
- Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections
- Congenital heart disease – Heart defects present from birth
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) – Abnormal heartbeats can affect heart function
- Other medical conditions – Such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, severe infections, blood clots in the lungs, or certain medicines
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and ageing can also increase the risk of heart failure
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of heart failure include:
Treatment Options
Heart failure is treated using a combination of medicines depending on the cause and severity of symptoms.
Diagnostic Tests
Blood Tests
Check for conditions affecting the heart
Chest X-ray
Shows the size of the heart and condition of the lungs
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Records the heart's electrical activity and rhythm
Ejection Fraction (EF)
Measures how well the heart pumps blood
Stress / Exercise Tests
Evaluate heart function during physical activity
Cardiac CT or MRI
Provide detailed images of the heart
Procedures
- Coronary angiogram: Detects blockages in the heart arteries
- Myocardial biopsy: Examines a small sample of heart muscle in selected cases
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): A mechanical pump placed in the left ventricle to help the heart pump blood to the body
- 2D-Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to assess the heart's structure and pumping function
2D-Echocardiogram — Procedure Overview
What is a 2D-Echocardiogram and why is it used?
A 2D echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, including its walls, valves, and blood vessels. It helps doctors check how well the heart pumps blood, especially the left lower chamber — the heart's main pumping chamber.
Before the Procedure
Preparation Guidelines
- Preparation for an echocardiogram depends on the type of test being done
- Medicines can usually be taken as advised by the doctor
- Patients should inform the healthcare team about all medicines they use
- Normal eating and drinking are usually allowed before a standard echo
- Fasting may be required for a few hours before the test
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after a TEE because sedative medicines may be given
Step-by-step Procedure
Gel is applied to the chest to help obtain clear heart images
A small device called a transducer is moved over the chest
The device sends sound waves to the heart and records the returning echoes
A computer converts these signals into moving pictures of the heart on a monitor
⏱ Time required: Less than 1 hour
Risks and Complications
- Echocardiography is a safe heart scan that uses sound waves and does not involve radiation
- Rarely, patients may develop an allergic reaction to contrast dye
- Temporary irregular heartbeat may occur during stress echo tests
🏥 Duration of Hospital Stay: Can resume daily activities immediately
Recovery and Aftercare
Diet and Long-term Care
- Stop smoking
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt and unhealthy fats
- Exercise regularly as advised by your doctor
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Most people can gradually return to normal activities, depending on their overall health
When to Contact a Doctor
- Chest pain or severe discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fever or difficulty swallowing after a TEE procedure
- Any unusual symptoms or worsening condition after the test
Follow-up
- The images are reviewed by the doctor to assess heart function
- Most patients can return to normal activities after the procedure
- Further tests or cardiology consultation may be needed if abnormal findings are detected
Our Cardiology Specialists
Myths and Facts
A 2D echocardiogram uses harmful radiation.
A 2D echocardiogram uses harmless sound waves and does not involve X-rays.
A 2D echocardiogram is painful.
A standard 2D echocardiogram is painless and non-invasive.
A normal ECG means a 2D echocardiogram is not needed.
A 2D echocardiogram provides detailed information about heart structure, valves, and pumping function that an ECG may not show.
A 2D echocardiogram is only done for heart failure patients.
It is also used to detect valve disease, congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, and other heart conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 2D echocardiogram?+
A 2D Echo is an ultrasound test that creates moving pictures of the heart to assess its structure and function.
How long does a 2D echocardiogram take?+
Most 2D Echo tests are completed within 30 to 60 minutes.
Do I need any special preparation before a 2D echocardiogram?+
Usually, no special preparation is needed for a standard 2D Echo.
What can a 2D echocardiogram detect?+
It can help identify heart failure, valve problems, heart muscle damage, congenital heart disease, and pumping abnormalities.
References
- 1.Heart failure. Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142/ — Accessed: 8 May 2026.
- 2.Feng J, Zhang Y, Zhang J. Epidemiology and Burden of Heart Failure in Asia. JACC Asia. 2024;4(4):249–264.
- 3.Heart failure — Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Available from: http://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373148/ — Accessed: 8 May 2026.
- 4.Echocardiogram. Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/about/pac-20393856/ — Accessed: 11 May 2026.
- 5.Heart failure — Diet and exercise. American Heart Association. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/treatment-options-for-heart-failure/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-failure/ — Accessed: 11 May 2026.