An echocardiogram can provide me a comprehensive, high-resolution image of your heart, allowing for early detection and precise diagnosis of potential heart conditions.
Dr Ravi Assomull, Consultant Cardiologist and Founder
An echocardiogram (also known as a heart sonogram or a heart ultrasound) is a type of ultrasound scan. It uses a device emitting high-frequency sound waves to create echoes as they bounce off different parts of the body. The device picks up these echoes and creates a moving image that will show up on a monitor.
Despite their similar names, an echocardiogram isn’t the same as an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG helps detect the heart’s electrical activity, whereas an echocardiogram gives us an image of the heart’s structure and surrounding blood vessels. This helps us analyse how blood flows through them and assess the heart’s pumping chambers.
We may recommend an echocardiogram if you present symptoms that indicate a heart condition, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting. We may also check for injuries to your heart or changes that may happen as you age.
There are different types of echocardiograms which can help us detect different things. These include:
This is the most common type of echocardiogram. An ultrasound probe is used externally on your chest to get pictures of the heart.
This scan involves an ultrasound probe being passed into your oesophagus (gullet). This helps scan the heart from behind, which may be obscured.
This scan is an ultrasound that emits sound waves at specific frequencies to check the flow of blood around the heart.
A stress echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the chest while exercising or under stress to see how your heart works when pumping hard.
This scan involves injecting a saline contrast agent into your vein during your echocardiogram.
This saltwater solution contains tiny bubbles, which help to show blood flowing through your heart more clearly.
This type of scan can help us see your unborn baby’s heart and detect any issues that may have developed in the womb.
Generally, little preparation is needed for an echocardiogram as it is a minimally invasive scan.
We advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily remove, as you will be undressing from the waist up to perform the scan.
You must avoid caffeine for 6 to 10 hours before the test because it can speed up your heart rate and affect your results. If you are having a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE), we recommend not eating or drinking for at least six hours before the exam. Once the local anaesthetic has worn off, you can resume eating and drinking about one to two hours after the procedure.
Certain medications can interfere with the test, depending on the type of echocardiogram you are having. We will discuss with you what you are currently taking before we perform the test.
If you are scheduled to have a TOE procedure, please arrange for somebody to pick you up and drive you home after the test, as you will not be able to drive for around 24 hours afterwards.
Before we begin a standard echocardiogram (TTE) procedure, you will need to undress from the waist up. We will then stick small electrodes on your chest. These are attached by small wires to a machine that will monitor your heart’s rhythm.
You will be asked to lie down on a bed, and gel will be applied to your chest. The ultrasound probe will then be run across the chest while you are lying on your left side. If you are having a TOE, you will be given local anaesthetic and offered mild sedation to make the procedure more comfortable.
You may hear a swishing noise during the scan. This is normal and is just the probe picking up the sound of blood flowing through your heart.
As the probe is run across the chest, pictures of your heart will be displayed on a screen. These pictures are constantly updated, so the scan can show your heart beating.
The procedure should take between 15 minutes to an hour to complete.
Echocardiograms are safe, and the procedure has few risks or side effects. Unlike other tests, such as X-ray or computerised tomography (CT) scans, this test does not involve any form of radiation.
You may have a skin reaction to the electrodes used during the procedure, and minor discomfort when removed. Please let us know if you are allergic to skin adhesives or plasters beforehand.
After a TOE procedure, you may feel uncomfortable, and your throat may feel sore for a few hours. You won’t be able to drive for 24 hours after the test, as you may still feel drowsy from the sedative. There’s also a small chance of the probe damaging your throat.
After the test is over, you can resume normal daily activities unless you’ve had a TOE echocardiogram.
We will discuss your echocardiogram results straight after your procedure. We may also need to consider your medical history and the results of any other tests you’ve had.
If your echocardiogram indicates you may have a heart concern, it’s important to focus on living a heart-healthy lifestyle. This can involve eating a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fat, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and taking your medications as prescribed.
Typically, results will be available within a few days to a week.
During your follow-up appointment, we will review the findings from your echocardiogram, address any questions you may have, and discuss any necessary next steps or further tests. This consultation will help you fully understand your results and provide personalised advice tailored to your heart health.
Shortness of breath is when you find breathing challenging, wheezing, or breathlessness. Other heart conditions such as angina, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure can all cause shortness of breath.
Fatigue is the feeling that you lack the energy or motivation to do anything physically and mentally. Sometimes, you may feel like you can’t keep your eyes open or find it difficult to do tasks because of tiredness.
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness as a result of reduced blood flow to the brain. This can be caused by many different factors, including issues related to the heart.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart that makes it hard for your heart to pump blood around the body.
Heart disease (also known as cardiovascular disease) is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Looking after your heart is the most important thing you can do to improve your longevity and quality of life in the long term.
We’re here for you during your journey to better heart health. We provide tests and management strategies to help identify what might be wrong and where you can improve your lifestyle to reach prime heart health.
Book an appointment today to speak to our expert Integrative Cardiologist, Dr Ravi Assomull, about your heart concerns.
You can email us at: enquiries@cardiologist.london
Or call us at: 0203 576 2885
