There is no radiation or injection involved, and you may hear your heartbeat as the scan is recorded in real time.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (often referred to as an “echo”) is a safe and painless ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create moving, detailed images of your heart. It enables our specialists to see how your heart chambers and valves are functioning, and how effectively your heart is pumping blood.
Why is it performed?
An echocardiogram is a key diagnostic tool for detecting and monitoring a range of heart conditions, including heart valve disease, heart failure, and heart muscle weakness.
It can also identify congenital (present from birth) abnormalities or detect fluid around the heart. Because the test uses ultrasound — not radiation — it can be safely repeated to monitor your heart over time.
It is one of the most commonly performed cardiac investigations, particularly for patients experiencing breathlessness, helping your cardiologist determine whether your symptoms are related to a heart condition.
What does the test involve?
During the procedure, you’ll lie comfortably on your side while a small handheld probe is gently moved over your chest. A cool gel is applied to the skin to help the sound waves travel effectively — much like a pregnancy scan.
The test is entirely painless and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. You may hear the sound of your heartbeat during the scan as the images are captured in real time.
No radiation or injections are involved.
The test is entirely painless and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. You may hear the sound of your heartbeat during the scan as the images are captured in real time.
No radiation or injections are involved.
- Preparation & Positioning
You’ll lie on your side while a small probe is moved gently over your chest.
- During the Scan:
A cool gel helps the sound waves travel through the skin, producing live images of your heart. The test is completely painless and usually takes around 20–30 minutes.
- Safety & Comfort:
After the test
You can resume normal activities immediately after your echocardiogram. The results will be carefully reviewed by your cardiologist, who will explain the findings in detail and discuss any next steps.
This test provides vital information about your heart’s structure and performance. Depending on the outcome, your cardiologist may recommend further investigations or treatment, all of which can be arranged promptly here at Heart Doc.
