This is a heart scan using ultrasound. High frequency sound waves are transmitted by a probe which also receives the echoes from structures within the body. These echoes are displayed as an image on a television monitor. There are no X-rays involved in the examination. Most people have heard of its use in pregnancy, but it can also be used to examine areas such as the heart, veins and arteries

HOW IS THIS DONE?

You will lie on an examination couch, in a position suitable for the scan, the room lights will be dim. The scan will be performed by a qualified Sonographer or Doctor.  The examination varies in length from about 15 to 45 minutes. It involves a hand held probe moving over the area of interest, which will be covered with a water-soluble gel. The scan should not cause pain and only occasionally causes mild discomfort from pressure on the chest.  At the end of the scan, the gel is wiped off and should not stain your clothes. Ultrasound is unable to penetrate areas surrounded by bone, such as the lungs and is therefore not suitable for all examinations.

WHY IS AN ECHO USEFUL?

An echocardiogram can give very detailed pictures of the heart as it is moving. It can be used to look at the heart chambers, valves and blood flow into and out of the heart. It can indicate whether the heart has been affected by a previous heart attack and how much damage has been done. It can also show whether the heart valves are leaking or narrowed. It can also reveal if there are any holes in the heart.

An echocardiogram is an excellent, relatively inexpensive way of non-invasively visualising the heart beating, providing information as to the cause of breathlessness, blackouts and chest pain.

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