What is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound image of the heart. An echocardiogram (echo) is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of your heart. The test is also called echocardiography or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound.

Why Echocardiogram?

Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram to:

• Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart
• Check if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
• Detect congenital heart defects before birth (foetal echocardiogram)
• See any blood clots in the heart

Doctors also use echocardiography when they want to examine a person’s general heart health, especially after a heart attack or stroke. The type of echocardiogram you have depends on the information your doctor needs.

Don’t be Surprised!

During an echocardiogram the technologist will attach sticky patches (electrodes) to your body to help detect and conduct the electrical currents of your heart.

Most echocardiograms take less than an hour, but the timing may vary depending on your condition. Many aspects of a heart’s condition can be determined through the use of an echocardiogram: heart size, pumping strength, damage to the heart muscle, valve problems or structural abnormalities.

We Will Take Care of The Rest!

A radiologist will review your exam images and report the findings to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will then discuss the findings and the next steps with you.