An echocardiogram is a painless test that uses ultrasound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. This picture can provide important information about the size and shape of your heart and how well your heart is working.
An echocardiogram can be used to:
- Check for problems with the valves of your heart - Check for signs of a heart attack - Evaluate the success of previous treatments for heart conditions
If you have been referred for an echocardiogram, your doctor will review the results with you and explain what they mean.
There are several places where you can get an echocardiogram. Your doctor may refer you to a specific facility, or you may have the option to choose where you go.
Some places that offer echocardiogram services include:
- Hospitals - Cardiology clinics - Imaging centers
To find a facility near you, you can search online or ask your doctor for a recommendation. Once you have a list of potential places, you can call to ask about their services and to find out if they have any special requirements, such as needing a referral from your doctor.
Once you have chosen a place to get your echocardiogram, you will need to prepare for the test. This usually involves fasting for four to six hours before the test and not drinking caffeine or smoking cigarettes for at least 24 hours beforehand.
You will also need to remove any jewelry or clothing that might interfere with the ultrasound waves. You will be asked to change into a gown for the test.
During the echocardiogram, you will lie on your left side on an exam table. A gel will be applied to your chest, and a hand-held probe will be moved across your chest to take pictures of your heart.
The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath at times to get a clear picture.
After the test, you can go back to your normal activities. The gel will be washed off your chest, and you can put your clothes back on.
The pictures from your echocardiogram will be interpreted by a doctor or a trained technician. They will look for any problems with the size, shape, or function of your heart.
The results of your echocardiogram will be shared with your doctor
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The test provides information about the size and shape of your heart and how well your heart is pumping blood.
An echocardiogram can be used to diagnose many heart conditions, including:
-Heart valve problems -Heart muscle damage -Blood clot in the heart -Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) -Tumors of the heart -Congenital heart defects
During an echocardiogram, gel is placed on your chest and a hand-held device, called a transducer, is moved across your chest. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your heart and produce echoes. The echoes are then converted into moving images of your heart that are displayed on a video screen.
Your doctor will be able to see your heart valves opening and closing and will be able to check for any areas of damage or abnormalities. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test, which means it does not involve any puncturing of the skin or insertion of needles or other instruments into the body.
An echocardiogram typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time during the test so that the pictures are clear.
What does an echocardiogram show?
An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a sonogram of the heart. It is used to assess the heart's muscles, valves, and chambers, as well as to look for any abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart. An echo can be done with or without contrast, depending on the purpose of the exam.
Most echocardiograms are done while the patient is lying on their left side. They will be asked to wear a gown and will be given a cool gel to spread on their chest. The technologist will then place a small, hand-held device called a transducer against their chest. The transducer will emit sound waves that will bounce off of the heart and create an image on the ultrasound machine. The image will be recorded and can be viewed on a screen in real-time or later.
Echocardiograms can show the size and shape of the heart, as well as the location and function of the valves and chambers. The exam can also show the thickness of the heart wall and the amount of blood that is flowing through the heart. Abnormalities such as blockages, leaks, or growths can also be seen on an echo.
Echocardiograms are generally safe and have few side-effects. The exam is painless and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
How is an echocardiogram performed?
An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The test is also called echocardiography or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound.
"Echo" is the Greek word for "sound," so an echocardiogram literally means "sound waves reflecting off the heart." The test is noninvasive, which means that no needles or other instruments are inserted into your body.
During an echocardiogram, a transducer (a small handheld device) is placed on your chest. The transducer sends out ultrasound waves that bounce off your heart and return to the transducer. The waves create echoes that are turned into electrical signals. The signals are then displayed on a video screen, which the technologist or doctor interprets to assess the structure and function of your heart.
You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time during the test so the technologist can get clear pictures of your heart. You may also be asked to change position, such as lying on your left side, to get a better view of your heart.
An echocardiogram typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The test is painless and has no side effects.
What are the risks of an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a test that is used to assess the function of the heart. It uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart chambers and valves. The test is generally considered safe, but there are a few risks that should be considered.
The most common risk is that of damaged blood vessels. The ultrasound waves can damage the small blood vessels in the heart, which can lead to bleeding and bruising. In rare cases, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Another potential risk is that of false positives. This occurs when the echocardiogram suggests that there is a problem when there actually is not. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing, which can be both costly and stressful.
Finally, there is a very small risk that the echocardiogram itself could cause a heart attack. This is thought to be very rare, but it is something that should be considered.
Overall, echocardiograms are considered safe. However, as with any test, there are a few risks that should be considered. These risks should be discussed with your physician prior to having the test.
How do I prepare for an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a test that uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of your heart. The test is usually done by a cardiologist
There are several types of echocardiograms, and the one your doctor chooses will depend on what they’re trying to learn about your heart.
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for an echocardiogram. Just be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to remove
some of your clothing and to wear a gown during the test.
You may be asked to fast for four to six hours before the test if your doctor wants to use contrast. Contrast is a liquid that makes your heart muscle and blood vessels show up more clearly on the images.
If you’re allergic to iodine or contrast dye, be sure to tell your doctor or the technologist before the test.
During the test, you’ll lie on your left side or on your back on an exam table. The technologist will place gel on your chest and then press a handheld device called a transducer against your skin.
The transducer sends out ultrasound waves that bounce off your heart and other structures in your chest. The transducer picks up the echoes and sends them to a computer, which creates images of your heart.
You may be asked to hold your breath at certain points during the test so that the technologist can get clear images.
The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
You don’t need to do anything to prepare for an echocardiogram. Just be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to remove some of your clothing and to wear a gown during the test.
You may be asked to fast for four to six hours before the test if your doctor wants to use contrast. Contrast is a liquid that makes your heart muscle and blood vessels show up more clearly on the images.
If you’re allergic to iodine or contrast dye, be sure to tell your doctor or the technologist before the test.
During the test, you’ll lie on your left side or on your back on an exam table. The technologist will place gel on your chest and then press
What should I expect during an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. The test is also called an echo. An echocardiogram can be used to diagnose heart conditions, assess how well your heart is functioning and determine the cause of unexplained chest pain.
During an echocardiogram, a small transducer (probe) is placed on your chest. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your heart. The waves are then converted into images of your heart that are displayed on a video screen.
Your doctor will be able to see your heart's size, shape and motion. The test can also show the thickness of your heart walls and whether your heart valves are functioning properly.
An echocardiogram is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The entire test takes about 30 minutes. There is no prep required for the test, but you will need to remove any jewelry or clothing that may interfere with the transducer's placement on your chest.
You will be asked to lie down on a table during the test. The transducer will be placed on your chest and will be moved around to different positions. The test is painless, but you may feel some pressure when the transducer is moved around your chest.
The images created by the sound waves will be displayed on a video screen. Your doctor will be able to see your heart's size, shape and motion. The test can also show the thickness of your heart walls and whether your heart valves are functioning properly.
After the test, you can return to your normal activities. There are no side effects from the test and you do not need to take any special precautions.
How long does an echocardiogram take?
An echocardiogram is a procedure that uses ultrasound waves to produce a moving image of the heart. During an echocardiogram, a sonographer will place a transducer on your chest. The transducer sends out ultrasound waves that bounce off your heart and produce images on a monitor. An echocardiogram can help your doctor evaluate the structure and function of your heart.
The entire echocardiogram procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. However, the actual scanning of your heart usually only takes about 10 minutes. The rest of the time is spent getting you ready for the procedure and reviewing the images.
What are the side effects of an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to create a moving picture of your heart. The test is also called an echo.
During an echocardiogram, a technician will place a transducer, or handheld device, on your chest. The transducer sends out sound waves that create echoes as they bounce off your heart. The echoes are then converted into electrical signals that are transmitted to a computer. The computer displays the information as moving images of your heart.
An echocardiogram can be used to assess the size and shape of your heart chambers and valves, as well as the thickness of your heart walls. The test can also help your doctor evaluate how well your heart is pumping blood.
Most people who have an echocardiogram don't experience any side effects. In some cases, however, the test may cause some discomfort, such as when the transducer is placed on your chest. You may also feel a slight pressure on your chest as the transducer presses on it.
In very rare cases, an echocardiogram can cause a heart attack. This is most likely to occur if you have a heart condition that's already causing your heart to pump less efficiently. If you have a heart condition, your doctor will likely monitor you closely during and after the test.
What happens after an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound test that is used to assess the structure and function of the heart. The test is performed by a trained technician who will place a hand-held device called a transducer on the patient's chest. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the heart and produce images on a monitor. The test is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient facility and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
After the echocardiogram is completed, the images will be reviewed by a cardiologist. The cardiologist will looks for any abnormalities in the structure of the heart or in the way the heart is functioning. If any abnormalities are found, further testing may be needed to determine the cause. In some cases, the echocardiogram may be used to guide treatment for heart conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer private echocardiogram scans?
Yes, we offer private echocardiograms with reports written by specialist Cardiac Physiologists and Consultant Cardiologists. An Echocardiogram, also known as an ‘ECHO’, is a specialised cardiac ultrasound scan used to assess the structure and function of the heart.
What is echocardiogram (ECHO)?
A echocardiogram (ECHO) uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart on a screen; the same technology used for performing pregnancy scans. Your Echo Report will be produced by the Cardiac Physiologist and overseen by our Consultant Cardiologist Clinical Lead. What will my echocardiogram report show? Your echocardiogram report will include: cardiac structure and function, estimates of blood flow and pressure in the heart, valvular assessment and information on any aberrations or abnormalities detected.
Where can I get Anecho scan?
Anecho scans can be obtained at the following locations: London - Lotus MRI, 9 Regent Street, WC2B 5HA Manchester - University Hospital of North Manchester, New Road, Manchester M15 5PN Midlands - Freeman Hospital, Walsall WS2 8UH South - The QSMRI Hospitals Trust, Bexleyheath DA7 7UU
What are the different types of echocardiography?
2 or 3-dimensional echocardiography: Used to show the structure of the heart walls, chambers and valves. Doppler echocardiography: Used to measure blood flow direction and velocity. Tissue Doppler echocardiography: Used to measure heart wall motion velocity.
What is a private echocardiogram?
A private echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to view the structure and function of the heart. The test is often used to catch early signs of heart disease, identify heart abnormalities, and guide doctors in treating the condition accordingly.
