{
  "id": 8801092,
  "title": "‘Guardian of heart’: Cardiologist credited with introducing 2D Echo test in India dies at 84",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/guardian-of-heart-cardiologist-credited-with-introducing-2d-echo-test-8801092",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-20T23:50:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/g-vijayaraghavan-cardiologist-2d-echo-pioneer-dies-10886663/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr G Vijayaraghavan, a renowned cardiologist from India, passed away at the age of 84 in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, just two days after his 84th birthday. The esteemed physician, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009, was hailed as the 'guardian of heart' for his significant contributions to cardiac care in the country. Dr Vijayaraghavan played a pivotal role in introducing 2D echocardiography, or 2D Echo test, to India in the late 1970s, a technique that revolutionized non-invasive imaging of the heart and expanded the scope of echocardiography in clinical cardiology. He achieved this by partnering with an India-US venture that supplied the first 2D echocardiography machine to the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. Beyond his clinical work, Dr Vijayaraghavan was deeply committed to training the next generation of cardiologists, having led medical education programs and echocardiography workshops nationwide. This dedication ultimately led to the adoption of 2D echocardiography across the Indian healthcare system. Additionally, he made significant strides in treating Cerebra Odollum poisoning, a prevalent method of suicide in Kerala, saving numerous lives with the treatment modalities he introduced. Dr Vijayaraghavan's pioneering research on tropical endomyocardial fibrosis, a condition characterized by thick scar tissue formation inside the heart chambers, was particularly noteworthy. His work on this topic, along with studies on rheumatic mitral valve disease, congenital heart disease, and coronary artery morphology, contributed invaluable knowledge to the field. In 1983, Dr Vijayaraghavan completed his groundbreaking research on doppler echocardiography while affiliated with the University of California. His extensive publication record includes several internationally recognized textbooks and research papers on cardiology. Dr Vijayaraghavan's illustrious career was also marked by numerous accolades, including his designation as a distinguished professor of cardiology by the National Board of Examinations, recognition as a Golden Heart Fellow by the American Heart Association, and lifetime achievement awards from prestigious organizations such as the Indian Academy of Echocardiography, the Indian College of Cardiology, and the Cardiological Society of India. As a native of Kollam, Dr Vijayaraghavan commenced his medical career at CMC Vellore before returning to his alma mater, Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, where he played a crucial role in establishing India's first 2D echocardiography laboratory. Fellow cardiologists, policymakers, and the general public mourned the loss of a true pioneer in Indian cardiology, with tributes praising his impact, innovative spirit, and the lasting legacy of his contributions to the healthcare sector.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - India",
        "title": "‘Guardian of heart’: Cardiologist credited with introducing 2D Echo test in India dies at 84",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/guardian-of-heart-cardiologist-credited-with-introducing-2d-echo-test",
        "published": "2026-09-20T23:50:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}