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 Once the procedure is done the tube is then gently withdrawn.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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