Commonly referred to as an “echo”, this test is an ultrasound of the heart. High frequency sound waves are used to produce images of the heart valves and chambers so that doctors can see how your heart is functioning.
Your doctor may request this test to investigate signs or symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations or swelling of the legs.
If your doctor detects a heart murmur during an exam, they may request an echo to see how well the heart valves are functioning or whether they have trouble opening and closing.
This is a painless, non-invasive test. Our echocardiograms are performed by qualified, highly experienced cardiac Sonographers. A hand-held transducer with a cool, water-based gel is held against your chest wall. The transducer sends out soundwaves (ultrasound) that identify different structures of your heart. The soundwaves are converted into moving images on a monitoring screen. These images show the heart pumping as well as the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart and its structures.