Echocardiogram Scans

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive, real-time, ultrasound test that produces detailed images of the heart’s structures and functions. It can help in diagnosing a variety of heart conditions, including heart valve disorders, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, and pericardial disease.

What is a Echocardiogram Scan?

An echocardiogram, or ‘echo’, is a type of ultrasound scan for the heart. A small ultrasound probe is used to generate images of the heart and the surrounding blood vessels to find out how your heart is working, investigate symptoms, and diagnose and monitor heart conditions.

The most common type of echocardiogram uses sticky electrodes placed on your chest, and an ultrasound probe that is moved across your chest.

What does a Echocardiogram Scan diagnose

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan specially for the heart. It uses high frequency sound waves produced by a transducer (probe) that is moved across the skin of your chest. The sound waves bounce off the heart structures and echo back to the transducer. It records the echoes and uses them to create pictures of your heart on a screen. It is generally carried out either by a sonographer, cardiac physiologist, or cardiologist.

Heart failure

An Echocardiogram gives us detailed information on the function of the left and right sides of the heart. It has a vital role in the diagnosis of heart failure.

Valve disorders

Reviews and assesses all heart valves. Diagnoses conditions
such as mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis. Useful in the monitoring of any established valve disorders.

Cardiomyopathies

Heart muscle disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Pericardial disease

Conditions such as pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart).

Aortic diseases

Disease of the aorta such as aneurysms of the aortic root, or ascending aorta.

Congenital conditions

Such as bicuspid aortic valve, or coarctation of the aorta.

Echocardiogram Scan at a glance

10-30 minutes

Typical procedure duration

Immediate

Typical result timeline

What happens during an Echocardiogram Scan?

An echocardiogram (echo) is useful in detecting and assessing damage to the heart, along with any issues with its functionality, and abnormalities in shape and size. The images produced by an echo show the heart valves, heart walls, heart chambers, and how strong the heart is beating in real-time.

How will I get my Echocardiogram Scan results?

We will usually provide results within 7 working days of your scan. On the NHS, it can take around 4 weeks to receive your echocardiogram results.

Why choose Wilson Polyclinic for your ECG Scan?

The cost of ECG scans vary according to what part of the body or health concern is being investigated. Our prices start from £3,400 but to find out more about prices, please call 020 7123 4567.

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Frequently asked questions

Let’s answer your most common questions around Echocardiogram scans.

For more guidance and resources, visit our resources centre for articles and helpful guides on managing your own health.

Is ultrasound safe?

Yes, diagnostic ultrasound is a safe procedure that uses low-power sound waves. There are no known risks.

Does ultrasound have limitations?

Yes, ultrasound is a valuable tool, but it has limitations. Sound waves don’t travel well through air or bone, so ultrasound isn’t effective at imaging body parts that have gas in them or are hidden by bone, such as the lungs or head. Ultrasound may also be unable to see objects that are located very deep in the human body. To view areas such as these, your health care provider may order other imaging tests, such as CT, MRI scans or X-rays.

Do I need to prepare for my echo?

No preparation is required before you have an echocardiogram.

Do I need to wear certain clothing?

No. However, because you have to remove your top half of clothing, it may be wise to wear a top that is easy to remove. You may be asked to remove any necklaces, so it’s a good idea to leave such valuables at home as we do not accept liability for loss of valuables.

How long will an echocardiogram take?

It varies from person to person and can take from 15 minutes up to 45 minutes.

Does the test hurt?

No. The test shouldn’t hurt, however, some people experience pressure and the feeling of the probe being pushed. At times the probe has to be placed between the ribs, this may be mildly uncomfortable.

Is there an alternative test to Echocardiography?

Echo is a non-invasive test, there are alternative tests, however, these are more invasive or involve radiation exposure, they also require clinician referral.