Echocardiography
An echocardiogram, sometimes called an echo, is a non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart. It creates moving images that show the structure of the heart, how well it is pumping and how blood is flowing through the chambers and valves.
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What does an echocardiogram examine?
Echocardiography assesses the size and movement of the heart chambers, the heart muscle, the valves and the flow of blood through the heart. It can also provide information about how strongly the heart is pumping and whether there is fluid around the heart.
Why might I need an echocardiogram?
Your doctor may refer you for an echocardiogram if you have shortness of breath, swelling, a heart murmur, palpitations or other symptoms that may relate to the heart. It may also be used to investigate an abnormal test result, assess a known heart condition or monitor your heart over time.
What can I expect?
You will be asked to remove clothing from the upper part of your body and will be provided with a gown. Small ECG stickers may be placed on your chest to record your heart rhythm during the scan.
You will usually lie on your left side while the cardiac sonographer applies water-based gel and moves an ultrasound transducer across different areas of your chest. Some firm pressure may be needed to obtain clear images. You may hear sounds from the machine as it measures blood flow through the heart.
How should I prepare?
There is usually no special preparation required for a standard echocardiogram. You can generally eat, drink and take your usual medications as normal unless you have been given different instructions.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring any previous heart imaging or reports if requested.
Benefits of echocardiography
An echocardiogram provides real-time information about the structure and function of the heart without using radiation. It can help your doctor diagnose a heart condition, guide treatment and monitor changes over time.
FAQs
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No. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart's structure and movement. An ECG records the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart.
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No. An echocardiogram uses sound waves and does not expose you to radiation.
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An echocardiogram is usually painless. You may feel some pressure from the transducer, particularly between the ribs or if the area is tender. Please let the sonographer know if you are uncomfortable.
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The images and measurements will be reviewed and a report will be sent to your referring healthcare professional, who will discuss the results with you.
