Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive, painless ultrasound scan carried out to create an image of the heart. The exam uses ultrasound waves to view the structure and examine the functionality of the heart, including the chambers, valves, cardiac muscle and adjoining blood vessels.
What does an echocardiogram involve?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows the doctor to examine the chambers of the heart and connecting blood vessels, providing useful information on your heart’s general state of health and on any potential cardiopathies.
It usually lasts 10-15 minutes, during which you’ll need to be very still. You will have to take your shirt off and lie down on a flat bed. A special gel will be applied on your skin and then some electrodes will be placed on your chest. A probe or transducer will be then placed on your chest and, thanks to the ultrasound waves the probe emits, the doctor will have a clear picture of your heart and surrounding structures.
What is an echocardiogram for?
An echocardiogram is done to get more information about your heart’s pumping strength, the condition of the valves and the blood flow to the heart’s cavities. It can be carried out in several different ways:
- Transthoracic echocardiogram – the transducer is placed on your chest, emitting ultrasound waves which will give a real time picture of your heart.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram – it is done by endoscopy and it can identify conditions that are otherwise hard to diagnose, such as complex valvular defects, rare congenital malformations or conditions of the thoracic aorta.
- Three-dimensional echocardiography – enables detailed anatomical assessment of the heart.
You may have to do an echocardiogram if:
- You’ve had a heart attack
- You suffer from heart failure
- Your heart valves are damaged
- You’ve had an artificial heart valve implanted
- You were the recipient of a heart transplant
What does it feel like during the procedure?
You won’t feel any pain or discomfort, since the procedure is completely painless and safe.
Echocardiogram – Part 3: Types of heart scan
By Dr Allan Harkness
2022-01-28
How does a doctor look inside your chest at your heart? How can a cardiologist check that all the chambers, blood vessels and valves are working properly? How are heart problems found? Top cardiologist Dr Allan Harkness concludes his series on echocardiograms with this guide to the different scans used to monitor heart health. See more
Echocardiogram – Part 2: The procedure
By Dr Allan Harkness
2022-01-28
Our hearts are a vital part of our bodies, essential to keeping us alive. When heart problems occur, or even just during health screenings, your doctor may perform an echocardiogram to examine your heart health. In the second part of his series on echocardiograms, top cardiologist Dr Allan Harkness explains the echocardiogram procedure. See more
Echocardiogram: a powerful diagnostic tool for the heart
By Dr Malcolm Burgess
2022-01-28
An echocardiogram (a cardiac ultrasound) is used to assess most types of heart disease. Dr Malcolm Burgess explains when this diagnostic tool is used, the accuracy of results and what next steps might be needed. See more
What are the different kinds of non-invasive cardiac imaging tests?
By Dr Yousef Daryani
2022-01-28
You may have been told by your doctor that you need cardiac imaging to check for heart disease, or you may have symptoms of heart disease and want to be checked by a specialist. With the help of leading consultant cardiologist, Dr Yousef Daryani talks through the different procedures, and what to expect. See more
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One Heart Clinic - Cardiology Consulting & Diagnostic Centre
One Heart Clinic - Cardiology Consulting & Diagnostic Centre
68 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7HE
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LycaHealth
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One Heart Clinic - Cardiology Consulting & Diagnostic Centre
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