Echocardiogram

When an echocardiogram is used

An echocardiogram can help diagnose and monitor certain heart conditions by checking the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analysing how blood flows through them and assessing the pumping chambers of the heart.

An echocardiogram can help detect:

• damage from a heart attack – where the supply of blood to the heart was suddenly blocked
• heart failure – where the heart fails to pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure
• congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart
• problems with the heart valves – problems affecting the valves that control the flow of blood within the heart
• cardiomyopathy – where the heart walls become thickened or enlarged
• endocarditis – an infection of the heart valves

An echocardiogram can also help your doctors decide on the best treatment for these conditions.

How an echocardiogram is carried out

There are several different ways an echocardiogram can be carried out, but most people will have a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This procedure is outlined below.

You won't usually need to do anything to prepare for the test, unless you're having a transoesophageal echocardiogram.

Transthoracic echocardiogram

How an echocardiogram is carried out

There are several different ways an echocardiogram can be carried out, but most people will have a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This procedure is outlined below.

You won't usually need to do anything to prepare for the test, unless you're having a transoesophageal echocardiogram.

Transthoracic echocardiogram

How an echocardiogram is carried out

There are several different ways an echocardiogram can be carried out, but most people will have a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This procedure is outlined below.

You won't usually need to do anything to prepare for the test, unless you're having a transoesophageal echocardiogram.

Transthoracic echocardiogram

Getting your results

In some cases, it may be possible for the person carrying out the scan to discuss the results with you soon after it's finished.

However, the images from the scan will usually need to be analysed before the results are sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you during your next appointment.

Are there any risks or side effects?

A standard echocardiogram is a simple, painless, safe procedure. There are no side effects from the scan, although the lubricating gel may feel cold and you may experience some minor discomfort when the electrodes are removed from your skin at the end of the test.

Unlike some other tests and scans, such as X-rays and CT scans, no radiation is used during an echocardiogram. However, there are some risks associated with the less common types of echocardiogram.

You may find the TOE procedure uncomfortable and your throat may feel sore for a few hours afterwards. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the test as you may still feel drowsy from the sedative. There's also a small chance of the probe damaging your throat.

During a stress echocardiogram, you may feel sick and dizzy, and you may experience some chest pain. There's also a small chance of the procedure triggering an irregular heartbeat or heart attack, but you'll be monitored carefully during the test and it will be stopped if there are signs of any problems.

Some people have a reaction to the contrast agent used during a contrast echocardiogram. This will often only cause mild symptoms such as itching but, in rare cases, a serious allergic reaction can occur.