An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It provides detailed information about the heart’s structure and function and is one of the most commonly used tests in cardiology.

 

It can assess the pumping function of the heart, the heart valves, chamber sizes and blood flow through the heart.

 

What can an echocardiogram show?

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An echocardiogram can help identify:

 

• heart valve disease

• reduced heart pumping function

• thickening of the heart muscle

• enlargement of the heart chambers

• fluid around the heart

• congenital or structural abnormalities

 

It is often an important first-line test when assessing symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations or a heart murmur.

 

When might an echocardiogram be recommended?

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An echocardiogram may be useful if you have:

 

• breathlessness

• chest discomfort

• palpitations

• dizziness or blackouts

• a murmur

• high blood pressure

• suspected heart failure

 

What happens during the test?

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The scan is performed using a small handheld probe placed on the chest with ultrasound gel.

 

The test:

 

• is painless

• does not involve radiation

• usually takes around 20 to 40 minutes

• provides real-time images of the heart

 

What happens after the test?

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The results help determine whether symptoms are related to a structural heart problem. Further tests are sometimes advised depending on the findings, including monitoring, CT coronary angiography or cardiac MRI.