Echocardiogram
An ultrasound scan of the heart’s pumping, chambers and valves.
What it is
A sonographer moves an ultrasound probe over the chest to create moving pictures of the heart. It shows how well the heart pumps and how the valves open and close. A “bubble study” adds a little salt-water contrast through a vein to look for openings between chambers.
Why it may be recommended
- A heart murmur
- Breathlessness or swelling
- Follow-up of valve or muscle conditions
Before the test
- No special preparation is needed
Afterwards
- You can go straight back to normal activities
Risks
A standard echo has no known risks.
Questions about a test?
Dr Ramzy will explain what your results mean at your appointment.