Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram if he or she suspects problems with the valves or chambers of your heart or if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. An echocardiogram can also be used to detect congenital heart defects in unborn babies (foetal echocardiogram).

No particular preparation is required for the test.

The sonographer will call you in and explain the procedure. You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and ECG electrodes (sticky dots with wires attached) will be placed on your chest. For a transthoracic echocardiogram (where an ultrasound probe is placed on the outside of your chest) you will be asked to lie on the bed.

Throughout the scan you may be requested to change positions (such as lying on your side) and to hold your breath. The probe may need to be firmly pressed against your chest. If so, the sonographer will try to minimise any discomfort caused. The probe will be positioned in different areas of your chest throughout the scan.

During the procedure you may hear loud noises. This will be the magnified ultra-sonographic signal of blood flowing through the heart chambers and valves and is completely normal. During a stress echocardiogram, medication may be used to replicate stress, such as exercise to see if the functioning of the heart changes.

Usually, you can resume your normal daily activities after an echocardiogram. Treatment depends on what’s found during the exam and your specific signs and symptoms. You may need a repeat echocardiogram in several months or undergo other diagnostic tests, such as a cardiac computerised tomography (CT) scan or a coronary angiogram. If, as part of this examination, you are given medication to stress the heart, you may be required to remain in the clinic under observation for a period of time before going home.

The scanning time will be approximately 40 minutes, though this time may vary depending upon the findings.

An Echocardiogram is performed by a sonographer. The scans will be reviewed by a radiologist/cardiologist who will provide a written report to your doctor.

There are no risks involved in a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You may feel some discomfort similar to removing an adhesive bandage when the technician removes the electrodes placed on your chest during the procedure. After a stress echocardiogram, some patients may experience an irregular heartbeat, due to the exercise or medication provided during the examination. This is only temporary side effect. Serious complications (such as heart attack) are rare.

A major benefit of the echocardiogram is that it gives information about the heart’s structures and blood flow. The information gained from the echocardiogram gives an accurate diagnosis and allows your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.