What happens during an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a simple, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to capture moving images of your heart. In this video, Dr Ravi Assomull explains exactly what happens during the scan, what it feels like, and how it helps assess the health of your heart valves and muscle. Learn what to expect before, during and after your appointment and how this test plays a vital role in diagnosing heart conditions.
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Transcript
An echocardiogram is a safe, non-invasive and painless test that uses ultrasound to create moving pictures of the heart. This provides invaluable information about the structure and function of the heart muscle as well as of the four valves that reside within the heart. When you arrive, you'll be asked to lie on a bed, usually on your left side.
A cardiac physiologist will place some gel on your chest to help transmit sound waves. Then, they will move a small handheld device called a transducer over different areas of your chest. You may feel slight pressure as a physiologist pressures the transducer against your skin, but it shouldn't be painful.
During the scan, you'll hear the sound of your heartbeat and maybe ask to hold your breath briefly to get clearer images. The test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Afterward, you can wipe off the gel and go about your day as normal.
The doctor will review the images from your echocardiogram and discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment.
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