Cardiology - Echocardiogram

Your doctor has decided that you should have an Echocardiogram.

What is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram or ‘echo’ is a scan that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to produce pictures of the heart. The test is without side effects and does not use radioactivity.

Why is it being done?

An echo gives your doctor information about how well the heart pumps and whether your heart valves are working properly.

What does it involve?

The person performing the test (the ‘Sonographer’) may be male or female, and not usually a doctor. If you would prefer a sonographer of the same gender please let us know before you attend.

You will be asked to undress to the waist and put on a gown that should be left open to the front. You will be asked to lie on a couch on your left hand side, the sonographer may also be sitting on the same couch while performing the scan.

If you would like to request a chaperone to accompany you during the examination, you may request one at the time of booking. This chaperone will be of the same sex where possible and usually one of the Physiology team. If you would like to request a chaperone on the day of the exam we will do our best to accommodate.
 
Stickers will be attached to your chest and connected to the machine to monitor your heart rate. The lights will be dimmed during the test.

An ultrasound probe covered by a small amount of gel (which may be cold), is placed on the chest. Images of the heart are taken from different positions – beneath the left breast, beneath the rib cage and to the base of your neck. The pressure from this probe may be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.

During the echo you will hear sounds coming from the machine, which represent blood flow through the heart.

The echo will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Delays are possible during busy periods.

We take pride in being an echo training centre, and thus a trainee sonographer may perform the scan under close supervision of a senior physiologist. Here the examination may take up to 60 minutes, but if you would not like to be scanned by a trainee please let us know before you attend.

Are there any special precautions that I need to take before the echocardiogram?

No. You can take all your medication as normal. You can eat and drink as normal.

At the end of your echocardiogram

Once the echocardiogram is complete you can get dressed and leave. There are no limitations to what you can do after the scan, for example, you may drive.

Following the examination a report will be sent to the referring doctor. No results will be given on the day.

Should you require any further information please contact the Cardiorespiratory Department on 0161 778 2233.

You can also find further information at www.bhf.org.uk