What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (echo) is a sound wave test that creates detailed images of the heart. It enables doctors to see how well your heart is pumping and beating. This non-invasive imaging test provides real-time images of heart structure, function, and motion, providing vital information about heart health.
Echocardiography is an important part of cardiology since it allows doctors to visualise the moving heart. It can detect early symptoms of heart disease, inform treatment plans, and monitor heart function over time. Unlike other imaging techniques such as X-rays or CT scans, echocardiography is non-radiation-based and thus safe and a first-line option for heart assessments, even in pregnant women and children.
The importance of echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is needed to check the structure and function of your heart. It helps doctors diagnose and monitor heart conditions by using ultrasound (sound waves) to create moving images of your heart. These images provide important details about how the heart chambers and valves are working, as well as blood flow patterns.
Doctors may recommend an echocardiogram to:
Measure the patient’s heart size and shape
Detect valve damage
Check for fluid build-up in the area around the heart
Diagnose heart failure, infection, and clots
It is useful for:
Diagnosing heart murmurs
Monitoring heart conditions over a period of time
Detecting damage after a heart attack
Checking the success of treatments or surgery to the heart
If you have any symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, arrhythmia, dizziness, or swelling in the legs, your physician might conduct an echocardiogram to look into these further.
How is an echocardiogram done?
An echocardiogram is performed by a trained technician, a sonographer, in a clinic or hospital environment. The examination is carried out by applying a hand-held probe known as a transducer, which sends high-frequency sound waves into the heart and receives the reflected echoes to create an image.
The procedure starts by having sound waves travel via the chest and be reflected by the heart structures. The returning echoes are then processed by a computer to form moving images of the heart, which can be analysed by a cardiologist. The test provides informative data on heart chamber volume, wall thickness, valve function, and blood flow patterns.
The exam typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and you may need to adjust your position to capture better images. The test is not painful, and no radiation is involved.
Types of echocardiogram
There are different types of echocardiograms, depending on the medical need of each individual. There are both 2D and 3D echocardiograms:
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE):
The most common type, performed by placing the transducer on the chest. It is completely non-invasive and painless.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE):
A probe is inserted into the oesophagus to provide more detailed heart images, often used when TTE images are unclear.
Doppler echocardiogram:
Measures blood flow speed and direction in the heart, helping detect abnormal blood flow patterns.
Stress echocardiogram:
Conducted before and after exercise to evaluate heart performance under stress, often used to detect coronary artery disease.
3D echocardiogram:
Provides a three-dimensional view of the heart for a more detailed assessment, useful for complex heart conditions.
At Thomson Medical, we offer 2D echocardiograms to assess heart function and structure. If you need a heart health evaluation, request an appointment with us to receive further guidance.
Risks or side effects of echocardiogram
Echocardiograms are generally safe with minimal risk. A few of them may have mild side effects. Depending on the type of echocardiogram performed, some patients may experience mild discomfort or temporary side effects:
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): Standard echo
TTE is a painless and non-invasive procedure. You may feel slight discomfort from the pressure of the transducer against your chest. In rare cases, if a contrast agent is used to improve imaging, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): Probe down the throat
Since a probe is inserted into the oesophagus, there is a possibility of mild throat discomfort or soreness after the test. In rare cases, you may experience gagging, temporary difficulty swallowing, or slight irritation to the oesophagus. If sedation is used, side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, or a temporary drop in blood pressure.
Stress echocardiogram: Exercise or medication-induced
Because this test requires physical activity or medication to stimulate heart function, you may experience temporary dizziness, shortness of breath, or mild fatigue. In rare cases, stress echocardiograms can trigger irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia) or chest discomfort. If medication is used instead of exercise, side effects may include flushing, nausea, or a brief sense of unease, which typically resolve quickly.
Generally, echocardiograms are very safe, but certain factors may affect image accuracy, such as obesity, lung conditions, or excessive chest movement. If unclear images are obtained, your doctor may recommend a different imaging test, like an MRI or CT scan.
What to prepare for an echocardiogram?
Your preparation depends on the type of echocardiogram your doctor recommends. Here’s what you need to know:
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE):
No special preparation is needed. It is recommended to wear a loose, comfortable shirt, as you may need to remove clothing from the upper body for the test.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE):
To ensure accurate imaging and prevent complications:
Fast for 4 - 6 hours before the test (no food or drinks).
Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation is used, as you may feel drowsy after the procedure.
Avoid smoking or consuming caffeine before the test, as they can affect heart function.
Stress echocardiogram:
Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers for walking or running on a treadmill.
Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) for 24 hours before the test.
Do not eat a heavy meal before the test.
Ask your doctor if you should stop certain medications, such as beta-blockers or heart medications, as they may affect test results.
What happens during and after the echocardiogram?
During the test
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE):
You will lie on an exam table while a technician applies gel to your chest.
The transducer (probe) is moved around your chest to capture different angles of your heart.
You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath for better imaging.
The test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE):
You will be sedated to help you relax.
A thin, flexible tube with a transducer at the tip is gently inserted into your throat and down your oesophagus.
The probe captures detailed images of your heart from behind the chest.
The test usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Afterward, you’ll need a short recovery period before going home.
Stress echocardiogram:
A resting echocardiogram is taken first.
You will either walk or run on a treadmill (or use a stationary bike) or receive medication to make your heart beat faster.
Once your heart rate reaches a certain level, another echocardiogram is taken.
The test lasts 45 to 60 minutes.
Doppler echocardiogram:
Often combined with TTE or TEE to evaluate blood flow through the heart’s chambers and valves.
The technician uses colour Doppler imaging to track blood flow direction and speed.
Helps detect blockages, valve problems, or heart defects.
After the test
TTE & Doppler echo: You can resume normal activities immediately.
TEE: Due to sedation, you will need someone to accompany you home, and your throat may feel slightly sore for a few hours.
Stress echo: If performed with medication, you may experience temporary flushing or dizziness, which should subside shortly after the test. Your doctor may monitor you for a brief period before you leave.
Following the echocardiogram, your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you in a follow-up consultation.
Are you having concerns about your heart health? Request an appointment with us to determine whether an echocardiogram is right for you.
FAQ
What is an echocardiogram used for?
An echocardiogram is a heart ultrasound that helps diagnose and monitor various heart conditions, including:
Heart disease detection:
Identifies blocked arteries, evaluates heart size and shape, and assesses heart function.
Heart valve problems:
Checks for valve narrowing or leakage, helping determine if repair or replacement is needed.
Heart failure monitoring:
Measures heart pumping efficiency (ejection fraction) and detects fluid buildup in the lungs.
Blood clots & abnormalities:
Identifies clots, infections, tumors, or congenital heart defects.
Heart attack damage:
Detects weakened or non-functioning heart areas post-heart attack.
Pulmonary hypertension:
Measures pulmonary artery pressure to diagnose high blood pressure in the lungs.
Are an ECG and echocardiogram the same?
No, an ECG and an echocardiogram are not the same. An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the heart’s electrical activity, detecting irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, and other electrical issues. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create moving images of the heart’s structure and function, assessing heart size, pumping ability, valve function, and blood flow. Both tests provide important but different information about heart health.
Can an echocardiogram detect blocked arteries?
An echocardiogram cannot directly detect blocked arteries (coronary artery disease, or CAD), but it can suggest their presence by showing the effects of reduced blood flow. It can identify weakened heart pumping, abnormal heart wall movement due to oxygen deprivation, and changes in blood flow using Doppler imaging. If artery blockages are suspected, further tests such as a stress test, coronary angiogram, or CT coronary angiography may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
What abnormalities can an echocardiogram detect?
An echocardiogram can detect various heart abnormalities, including:
Heart muscle diseases, such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure, which affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Heart valve disorders, including valve narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation), which can impact blood flow.
Blood flow issues and clots, which may indicate a risk of stroke or other complications.
Congenital heart defects, such as holes in the heart or abnormal heart structures present from birth.
Pericardial diseases, involving inflammation or fluid buildup around the heart.
Signs of a past or current heart attack, which may show areas of weakened or damaged heart muscle.
Is an echocardiogram test painful?
No, echocardiograms are non-invasive and painless. However, certain types (like a TEE) may cause mild discomfort.
Why can't you shower after an echocardiogram?
Actually, you can shower after a standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) because it is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound gel on your chest, which can be wiped off immediately after the procedure. However, if you had a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) or a stress echocardiogram, your doctor may advise you to wait before showering, especially if adhesive electrodes or an IV line were used.
If you underwent a contrast echocardiogram with an injection, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain activities, but showering is generally safe. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions based on the type of echocardiogram performed.
Do I have to take my clothes off for an echocardiogram?
Yes, for a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or stress echocardiogram, you’ll need to remove your shirt so the technician can place electrodes and apply ultrasound gel. A gown or drape may be provided. For a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), you usually wear a hospital gown but keep most of your clothing on. If you’re unsure about what to wear, comfortable two-piece clothing is recommended for easy access while maintaining modesty.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists Paragon (Health Screening)
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Call: 6735 0300
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