Echocardiography

An Echocardiogram is used to diagnose cardiovascular diseases. This typically involves evaluation of the structure and function of the heart valves, the chambers and the muscular walls of the heart. An Echocardiogram assesses the heart’s ability to pump blood normally during rest. An Echocardiogram is used to detect and describe structural, functional and blood flow abnormalities of the heart.

You may have also heard this test referred to as; an ultrasound of the heart, Echocardiography, a Doppler Echocardiograph.

How long does it take?

The average duration of a comprehensive Echocardiograph examination is between 30 and 45 minutes. A full report is sent to your referring doctor electronically. You should make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss the results.

What does the test involve?

A trained technician performs the test. The testing room contains a couch and an Echocardiogram machine. You will be asked by the technician for some information including your height and weight.

Patients will be asked to remove all clothing from their chest, and women will be provided with a gown which will open at the front.

You will be asked to lie on the couch on your left-hand side, facing away from the technician. Three (3) electrodes will be attached to your chest and these will be connected to the Echocardiograph machine.

A special hand-held instrument called a transducer will be pressed to your ribs near the sternum, or breast bone. This transducer sends and receives sound waves that have bounced off your heart. The sound waves return to the Echocardiograph machine where they are used to display a picture of your moving heart.

How will the test feel?

Conductive gel is used to reduce friction between the moving transducer and your chest. There may be some pressure on your chest from the transducer. Some patients may experience chest discomfort due to the transducer application.

You may be asked to co-operate during the procedure by varying your position on the couch and breathing in a certain way. You will need to remain still during the examination.

Are there any risks?

Echocardiography uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. The picture is similar to an X-Ray image, but there is no radiation exposure.