Heart valve disease is one of the most common cardiac conditions in India. Before any valve repair or replacement, your cardiologist will order several specific tests. Each test gives different information. Skipping even one increases your risk.
This guide explains all 7 tests in plain language. You will know what each test does, what it costs in Jaipur, and how to prepare.
Why You Need Multiple Tests Before Heart Valve Treatment
One test is never enough. An echocardiogram shows how your valve is working. A chest X-ray shows heart size. Blood tests check your kidneys and liver. A cardiac catheterization checks for artery blockages.
Your cardiologist needs all this data together. In Jaipur, most cardiac centres complete all 7 tests within 48 to 72 hours as part of a pre-surgical workup.
Test 1: Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
Also called: Standard Echo or 2D Echo
This is the first test almost every cardiologist orders. An ultrasound probe is placed on your chest. It creates a moving image of your heart. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes. It does not hurt.
The echo shows your valves in real time. Your doctor can see if a valve is narrowed (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation). It also measures how well your heart pumps, called the ejection fraction. This number is critical before any valve surgery.
Echocardiogram Cost in Jaipur
| Setting | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Government Hospital (SMS, RUHS) | Rs 200 to 800 |
| Private Diagnostic Centre | Rs 800 to 1,800 |
| Corporate / Specialty Hospital | Rs 1,500 to 2,500 |
Most insurance policies cover echocardiograms when ordered by a cardiologist. Keep the original prescription.
How to Prepare
- No special preparation needed
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Remove necklaces and chains before the test
- Bring previous echo reports if you have them
Test 2: Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Also called: TEE test, Oesophageal Echo
A TEE gives far more detailed images than a standard echo. The probe goes down your throat into your food pipe. Because it sits directly behind your heart, there is no chest wall blocking the signal. Images are much sharper.
TEE is ordered when your standard echo does not give enough detail. It is also used during open heart surgery to confirm the valve repair before the chest is closed.
Echo vs TEE: Key Differences
| Factor | Echo (TTE) | TEE | Cath Lab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probe placement | Chest (outside) | Throat (inside) | Artery (invasive) |
| Image quality | Good | Excellent | N/A (pressure data) |
| Sedation needed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost in Jaipur | Rs 800 to 2,500 | Rs 3,000 to 8,000 | Rs 8,000 to 25,000 |
| Duration | 20 to 30 min | 30 to 45 min | 1 to 2 hours |
| Best used for | Initial screening | Pre-surgery detail | Coronary artery check |
TEE Test Cost in India (Jaipur)
TEE costs Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 in Jaipur. Patients with Chiranjeevi Yojana coverage can get TEE at SMS Hospital at significantly lower cost. Ask the cardiology OPD directly.
You cannot eat or drink for 6 hours before the test. Arrange someone to drive you home afterward.
Test 3: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart. It takes about 5 minutes. Small sticky pads go on your chest, arms, and legs.
For valve patients, ECG checks your heart rhythm. Many valve conditions cause irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). ECG also shows if you have had a silent heart attack in the past. This affects how your surgeon plans your operation.
Cost in Jaipur: Rs 100 to 500. Available at almost every clinic in the city.
Test 4: Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray shows the overall size and shape of your heart. It also shows the condition of your lungs. When the heart is enlarged due to valve disease, it appears clearly on X-ray. Fluid in the lungs, a sign of heart failure, also shows up.
Your surgeon uses the chest X-ray to plan the surgical approach. After surgery, comparing the new X-ray with the old one shows how well your heart has recovered.
Cost in Jaipur: Rs 150 to 600.
Test 5: Blood Tests Panel
Before any heart valve surgery, your doctor orders a full blood panel. These tests check that your organs can handle surgery and anaesthesia.
Standard pre-surgery blood tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anaemia and infection
- Kidney Function Test (KFT): Heart surgery can stress kidneys
- Liver Function Test (LFT): Anaesthesia is processed by the liver
- Blood Glucose / HbA1c: Uncontrolled diabetes raises surgical risk
- Thyroid Function Test (TFT): Thyroid issues affect heart rhythm
- Coagulation Profile (PT/INR): Checks if your blood clots normally
- Blood Group and Cross-Match: Required in case of transfusion
- HIV, HBsAg, HCV Screening: Mandatory for all surgical patients
Total cost for a full panel in Jaipur: Rs 2,000 to 5,000 at NABL-accredited labs like SRL Diagnostics, Thyrocare, or Dr. Lal PathLabs.
Test 6: Cardiac Catheterization (Coronary Angiography)
This is the most detailed test before heart valve surgery. A thin tube is inserted through your wrist or groin. It travels to your heart. Dye is injected and X-ray images are taken. This shows whether your coronary arteries are blocked.
Why does a valve patient need this? Because many valve patients also have coronary artery disease. Fixing the valve without fixing a hidden blockage puts you in serious danger.
Cardiac Catheterization Preparation in Jaipur
- Fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure
- Stop blood-thinning medicines only if your doctor instructs you to
- Tell your cardiologist about all medicines including herbal supplements
- Drink extra water the day before unless your doctor restricts this
- Arrange for someone to drive you home. You cannot drive yourself
- Wear loose clothes. Remove all jewellery
- Bring your medicine list, previous test reports, and insurance card
Safety alerts:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine or contrast dye
- Diabetic patients on Metformin must stop it 48 hours before the procedure
- Kidney disease patients need special precautions with contrast dye
- Women must inform their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding
Cardiac Catheterization Cost in Jaipur
Private hospitals: Rs 8,000 to 25,000. Under Rajasthan’s Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana, this procedure is covered for eligible families at empanelled hospitals.
Test 7: Cardiac CT Scan or MRI
Not every patient needs this. Your cardiologist orders a cardiac CT or MRI when the echo and angiography do not give enough information.
Cardiac CT is used to measure the aortic valve before TAVI (a non-surgical valve replacement). Cardiac MRI gives detailed information about heart muscle damage. Both tests are non-invasive. You lie still inside a scanner for 30 to 60 minutes.
When are these tests ordered?
- When valve anatomy is complex or unusual
- Before transcatheter valve procedures (TAVI/TAVR)
- When the cardiologist suspects heart muscle damage alongside valve disease
- When echo images are unclear due to patient build or lung conditions
Cost in Jaipur: Cardiac CT costs Rs 5,000 to 15,000. Cardiac MRI costs Rs 8,000 to 20,000.
All 7 Tests at a Glance
| # | Test | What It Shows | Mandatory? | Jaipur Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Echocardiogram (TTE) | Valve function, ejection fraction | Yes | Rs 800 to 2,500 |
| 2 | TEE | Detailed pre-surgery imaging | Usually yes | Rs 3,000 to 8,000 |
| 3 | ECG | Heart rhythm, past events | Yes | Rs 100 to 500 |
| 4 | Chest X-Ray | Heart size, lung fluid | Yes | Rs 150 to 600 |
| 5 | Blood Tests Panel | Organ function, blood group | Yes | Rs 2,000 to 5,000 |
| 6 | Cardiac Catheterization | Coronary artery blockages | Usually yes | Rs 8,000 to 25,000 |
| 7 | CT / MRI Heart | Complex anatomy, TAVI planning | If needed | Rs 5,000 to 20,000 |
Meet the Specialist: Dr. Prem Ratan Degawat
Dr. Prem Ratan Degawat is one of the most trusted and experienced cardiologists in Jaipur, currently practicing at Eternal Hospital, where he specializes in interventional cardiology and structural heart procedures. He completed his MBBS and MD in Medicine from Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, followed by his DM in Cardiology from King George’s Medical University, Lucknow.
He is among very few cardiologists in India trained and certified in TAVI, MitraClip, TRI-Clip, TMVR, TTVR, and other structural heart interventions. He currently serves as Associate Director of the TAVR and Structural Heart Disease Program and Director of the Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Program at Eternal Hospital. He also trained as a Senior Consultant at IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Italy.
Dr. Degawat is appreciated not only for his clinical expertise but for the time he spends helping patients understand their condition and treatment options. His communication is simple, direct, and free of medical jargon, making it easier for families to make informed decisions.
OPD at Eternal Hospital: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Address: 3A, Jagatpura Road, Near Jawahar Circle, Jaipur 302017
Contact: +91-9549158888
FAQs
What is the echocardiogram cost in Jaipur?
A standard 2D echo costs Rs 800 to 2,500 at private centres. Most insurance policies cover it when prescribed by a cardiologist.
What is the difference between echo and TEE?
A standard echo uses a probe on your chest. A TEE uses a probe passed into your throat. TEE gives sharper images because it sits directly behind your heart. TEE requires mild sedation and fasting. Standard echo needs no preparation.
How do I prepare for cardiac catheterization in Jaipur?
Fast for 6 hours. Stop blood thinners only if your doctor says so. Inform your doctor about dye allergies. Bring someone to drive you home. Carry your medicine list, reports, and insurance card.
Is the TEE test painful?
No. You receive a mild sedative and throat numbing spray. You stay relaxed throughout. Your throat may feel slightly sore for a few hours after.
Do I need all 7 tests before heart valve surgery?
Most patients need Tests 1 through 6. Test 7 is for specific cases. Your cardiologist decides which tests apply to you. Never skip a test your doctor has ordered.
Are heart tests covered under Chiranjeevi Yojana in Jaipur?
Yes. Most cardiac diagnostic tests and procedures are covered at empanelled hospitals. SMS Hospital and RUHS are empanelled. Carry your Jan Aadhaar card to register at the hospital counter.
How long does the full cardiac workup take in Jaipur?
Most patients finish all tests within 2 to 4 days. Blood tests and ECG are done the same day. Echo is usually within 24 hours. Cardiac catheterization may need a separate appointment.
What questions should I ask my cardiologist before heart valve surgery?
Ask which valve is affected and how severe the damage is. Ask whether repair or replacement is recommended. Ask about the surgeon’s experience with your specific valve condition. Ask what recovery looks like.
This article is for educational purposes only. Always follow the advice of your qualified cardiologist.
