Echocardiography (Echo Test) in Pokhara
Echocardiography (echo) is an ultrasound of the heart that shows its chambers, valves and pumping strength in real time, with colour Doppler to measure blood flow through the valves. It helps diagnose heart failure, valve disease, holes in the heart and fluid around the heart. KDRC in Pokhara offers echocardiography for Rs. 3,000.
Also called: Echo, echo test, echocardiogram, 2d echo, heart ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound
Price at KDRC: Rs. 3,000 · see rates
EchoKDRC · Pokhara- Duration
- An echocardiogram usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes
- Reported by
- Consultant radiologists
- Location
- Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10
- Book
- 061553538 · 9856077433
- An echo is an ultrasound of the heart showing chambers, valves, muscle and pumping strength.
- The ejection fraction (normal roughly 55 to 70 percent) measures how well the heart pumps.
- It is used for breathlessness, murmurs, chest pain, high blood pressure and rheumatic heart disease.
- No needles, no radiation and no fasting are needed.
- At KDRC echocardiography costs Rs. 3,000.
On this page (5 sections)
What is echocardiography?
An echocardiogram, usually called an echo or 2D echo, uses ultrasound to make moving pictures of the heart. A probe placed on the chest shows the four chambers, the four valves, the heart muscle and the sac around the heart (pericardium). Colour and spectral Doppler measure the speed and direction of blood flow, which shows whether a valve is narrowed (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation) and estimates the pressure in the lungs.
The most quoted number is the ejection fraction (EF): the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. A normal EF is roughly 55 to 70 percent. The standard test at KDRC is a transthoracic echo, done through the chest wall, with no needles and no radiation.
Why do doctors order an echo?
- Breathlessness, swelling of the legs or tiredness that may be due to heart failure.
- A heart murmur heard with the stethoscope, to check the valves.
- Chest pain, an abnormal ECG or a past heart attack, to see how the muscle is moving.
- High blood pressure of long standing, to look for thickening of the heart muscle.
- Rheumatic heart disease, which remains common in Nepal and affects the mitral and aortic valves.
- Palpitations, atrial fibrillation, stroke, or fluid around the heart.
- Fitness assessment before surgery, and follow-up of known heart conditions.
How much does an echo test cost in Pokhara?
At KDRC, echocardiography costs Rs. 3,000. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm the price and preparation before your visit. See the full KDRC price list.
Understanding your results
The report describes the size of each chamber, the thickness and movement of the heart walls, the ejection fraction, each valve and any leak or narrowing, the estimated lung artery pressure and whether there is fluid around the heart. Mild valve leaks are common and often normal. Your physician or cardiologist interprets the report together with your symptoms, ECG and blood tests and decides whether treatment or a repeat echo is needed.
Why choose KDRC for an echo in Pokhara?
- The echo is performed and reported by a qualified doctor on high-definition ultrasound with colour Doppler.
- Related tests under one roof: carotid Doppler, leg Doppler, CT angiography and lung function testing for breathlessness.
- Central location at Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10. Call to confirm a time for your echo.
How to prepare
- No fasting is needed; take your usual medicines.
- Wear a two-piece outfit so you can undress to the waist.
- Bring your doctor's request, recent ECG and earlier echo reports.
How long it takes
An echocardiogram usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
Price in Pokhara
| Test | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Echocardiography | Rs. 3,000 |
*Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised.
What to expect at KDRC
Register with your doctor's request, ECG and any earlier echo reports. You undress to the waist and wear a gown, then lie on your left side on the couch, which brings the heart closer to the chest wall. ECG stickers may be placed on your chest to time the images with your heartbeat. The doctor presses a probe with gel at several points: beside the breastbone, under the left breast, below the ribs and above the collarbone. You may be asked to breathe out and hold your breath for a few seconds. You will hear the sound of blood flow when Doppler is used. The echo usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. It is painless, though firm pressure can be uncomfortable. Our team tells you when to collect the report for your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get an echo test in Pokhara?
KDRC at Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10 offers echocardiography on high-definition ultrasound with colour Doppler, performed and reported by a qualified doctor. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm a time.
How much does an echo test cost in Pokhara?
At KDRC, echocardiography costs Rs. 3,000. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm before your visit.
Do I need to fast before an echo?
No. A standard transthoracic echo needs no fasting. Take your usual medicines, wear a top that is easy to remove and bring your ECG and earlier heart reports.
What is the difference between an ECG and an echo?
An ECG records the heart's electrical activity through stickers on the skin. An echo is an ultrasound that shows the heart's structure, valves and pumping. They answer different questions, and doctors often request both.
What is a normal ejection fraction?
A left ventricular ejection fraction of roughly 55 to 70 percent is generally normal. Values below about 40 percent suggest reduced pumping. Your doctor interprets the number together with your symptoms and the rest of the report.
Can an echo detect blocked heart arteries?
Not directly. A resting echo can show areas of heart muscle that move poorly after a heart attack, but it does not show the coronary arteries. Tests such as CT coronary angiography or a stress test answer that question.
Is an echo safe in pregnancy and for children?
Yes. An echo uses ultrasound, not radiation, and is safe at any age and in pregnancy. Tell staff when booking if the echo is for a young child, so enough time is allowed.
Sources
- nhs.uk/conditions/echocardiogram/
- medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003869.htm
- my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16947-echocardiogram
- nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/
This page is general health information reviewed by our radiologists. It is not a diagnosis — always follow your own doctor's advice. In an emergency, call our 24-hour ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10, Kaski · 061553538 / 9856077433
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