Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (also known as an echo) uses sound waves
that echo against structures in the heart to build up a
detailed picture of the heart. This test is done to look at
the structure of the heart and how well the heart
functions. It is a similar sort of scan to the ultrasound scan used
in pregnancy.
How is an echocardiogram done?
Lubricating jelly is rubbed on the chest, and a
probe (recorder) is then placed on the chest and a
pulse of high frequency sound is then passed
through the skin. The probe picks up the echoes reflected from
various parts of the heart and shows them as an echocardiogram - a
picture on the screen.
What can an echocardiogram show?
The echocardiogram can give accurate information about the
pumping action of the heart, and about the
structure of the heart and
the valves.
It can be a useful test if you have recently had a
heart attack of if you
have heart failure. It
is also used routinely to assess people with disease of the
heart valves
and people with congenital
heart disease.
An echo is especially useful for diagnosing heart disease in
newborn babies and infants as it is easy to do and painless.
Other types of echocardiograms
Stress Echocardiogram
Occasionally an echocardiogram is done while the heart is done
while the heart is under stress - by increasing the heart rate
either with exercise or with medication.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram
This test is used when doctors need a closer and more defined
image of the heart valves. Detailed pictures of the heart are taken
from the oesophagus (gullet) which lies behind the
heart. You may have a mild sedative to help you relax and an
anaesthetic will be sprayed on the back of your throat. You will be
asked to swallow a small probe which is mounted at the end of a
thin flexible tube. While the probe is in your oesophagus it takes
pictures of your heart. Once the procedure is done the tube is then
gently withdrawn.
Foetal Echocardiogram
Foetal echocardiograms are used to help diagnose certain heart
defects before a child is born. A foetal echocardiogram shows the
baby's heart in more detail than a normal ultrasound scan used in
pregnancy.
For more information on echocardiograms please see our booklet
Tests for heart conditions.
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