Echocardiogram and What You Can Expect During the Test

When your GP recommends a heart test, you may have questions about why you need it and what will happen during the appointment.

An Echocardiogram is a common heart test that uses ultrasound to create images of your heart.

It can provide information about the heart chambers, valves, muscle and blood flow.

Your GP or cardiologist may recommend an Echocardiogram based on your symptoms, medical history or the results of another test.

Understanding the test beforehand can help you feel more prepared for your appointment.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of the heart.

It uses sound waves to create moving images while the heart is beating.

Unlike an X ray, an Echocardiogram does not use ionising radiation.

During the test, a trained healthcare professional uses a small ultrasound probe on different areas of your chest.

The images can help a cardiologist look at

• The heart chambers
• Heart valves
• Heart muscle
• Heart movement
• Blood flow

The type of Echocardiogram you need depends on what your doctor is looking for

Why Might Your Doctor Recommend One?



There are different reasons why a doctor may recommend an Echocardiogram.

It may be considered when a person has symptoms such as

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Swelling around the legs or ankles

It may also be recommended when a doctor hears a heart murmur or needs more information about an existing heart condition.

Having an Echocardiogram does not automatically mean that you have a heart condition.

The test provides information that can be considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and other results.

What Happens During the Test?

A standard Echocardiogram is usually performed while you are lying down.

You may be asked to remove clothing from the upper body as needed.

Small monitoring stickers may be placed on your chest.

A small amount of gel is then placed on your skin.

The ultrasound probe is moved over different areas of your chest to obtain images of the heart.

You may feel some pressure from the probe.

The healthcare professional may ask you to change position or hold your breath for a short time so that different images can be taken.

The images are then reviewed as part of your cardiac assessment.

Does an Echocardiogram Hurt?



A standard Echocardiogram is generally not painful.

You may feel some pressure while the probe is placed against your chest.

The gel may feel cool when it is applied.



If you feel uncomfortable during the test, you can tell the person performing the examination.

How Long Does It Take?

The time needed for an Echocardiogram can vary.

It depends on the type of examination and the images that need to be collected.

Your healthcare team can explain what to expect when your appointment is arranged.



You should allow enough time for the full appointment rather than planning around an exact test duration.

Do You Need to Prepare?



For many standard Echocardiograms, special preparation is not required.

However, preparation can be different for other types of heart tests.

Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare team before your appointment.

It can also be useful to bring

• Your referral
• Medicare details
• A list of your current medicines
• Previous test results if requested
• Any questions you want to ask
  

What Can the Test Tell Your Doctor?



An Echocardiogram can provide information about different parts of the heart.

Heart Chambers

The heart has four chambers that work together to move blood through the body.

An Echocardiogram can show these chambers and their movement.

Heart Valves

The valves help control the direction of blood flow through the heart.

Ultrasound images can provide information about the movement of the valves and blood flow.

Heart Muscle

The test can provide information about the movement of the heart muscle.

Blood Flow

Doppler ultrasound can be used to look at blood flow through the heart and its valves.

The results are interpreted by an appropriate healthcare professional in the context of your overall health.

Echocardiogram and Stress Echocardiography

These two tests have similar names but are different.

A standard Echocardiogram looks at the heart while you are resting.

A Stress Echocardiography looks at how the heart responds when it is placed under controlled stress through exercise or medication.

Your cardiologist will decide whether a particular test is appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

What Happens After Your Echocardiogram?

Once the images have been taken, they are reviewed and interpreted.

Your cardiologist or referring doctor can then discuss the results with you.

Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend

No further testing at that time

• Follow up
• Monitoring
• Another cardiac investigation
• Further medical assessment

The next step depends on your individual health needs.

When Should You Speak With Your GP?

Speak with your GP if you have ongoing symptoms or concerns about your heart health.

These may include

• Chest discomfort
• Breathlessness
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Unusual swelling



Your GP can assess your symptoms and decide whether a cardiology referral or heart test may be appropriate.

If you have sudden severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, collapse or another medical emergency, call 000.

Echocardiogram at Heartlink Cardiology

Heartlink Cardiology provides cardiology consultations and cardiac investigations for patients in Springfield Central and nearby areas.

If your GP has recommended an Echocardiogram, your cardiologist can explain why the test has been requested and what the results may mean for your individual circumstances.

Heartlink Cardiology

SmartCare Diagnostics
Shop 6/95 Southern Cross Cct
Springfield Central, QLD 4300

Phone

1300 358 706

Frequently Asked Questions