Using sound waves, the scan produces detailed images of the heart chambers, valves and blood flow, helping to identify a wide range of cardiac conditions. It is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available in modern cardiology and is frequently performed as part of a comprehensive heart assessment.
What Can an Echocardiogram Show?
An echocardiogram can provide important information about:
- Heart chamber size and function
- Heart valve structure and performance
- Heart muscle strength
- Blood flow through the heart
- Congenital heart abnormalities
- Signs of heart failure
- Structural heart disease
What Happens During the Test?
You will be asked to lie on an examination couch while a specially trained cardiac physiologist or cardiologist performs the scan.
A small handheld ultrasound probe is placed against your chest using a water-based gel. The probe sends sound waves into the body and receives the returning echoes to create detailed images of your heart on a monitor.
The examination is painless, non-invasive and typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
Why Might I Need an Echocardiogram?
Your cardiologist may recommend an echocardiogram if you are experiencing:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart murmurs
- Palpitations
- Swollen ankles
- Symptoms of heart failure
It may also be used to monitor known heart conditions or assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
No special preparation is usually required for a standard echocardiogram. You can continue eating, drinking and taking your usual medications unless otherwise advised.
Receiving Your Results
The findings from your echocardiogram will be reviewed by your cardiologist and explained to you during your consultation or in a follow-up appointment. If further investigations or treatment are required, your specialist will discuss the most appropriate next steps.
Stress echocardiogram
This is a specialised test where an echocardiogram is done at rest and the patient is then exercised (by treadmill or bike) and the echocardiogram scan is then repeated at peak exercise to compare wall motion of the main chamber (left ventricle) with rest. Restriction in the blood supply, due to a narrowed or blocked artery, can show as abnormal wall motion in the affected region of the heart and returns to normal at rest. This test can be useful in investigating the blood supply to the heart. We do not routinely offer this test at Southampton Spire at present and tend to use an MRI scan instead.
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