ECHOCARDIOGRAM
(ECHO)

An echocardiogram (Echo) is an ultrasound test of the heart. It checks the heart size and function.

Echo also utilises Doppler and Colour ultrasound to evaluate blood flow across the heart valves.

Echo is used to help diagnose heart conditions as well as any valve abnormalities.

There is no radiation involved in echocardiogram testing.

There is no preparation involved for an echocardiogram test.

Patients performing an echocardiogram will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and change into a gown. The patient will lay on a examination bed on their left side.

The cardiac sonographer will apply ultrasound gel on the patient’s chest and will move the ultrasound transducer in several areas across the chest to obtain moving pictures of the heart.

Heart sounds can be heard throughout the test, which is the ultrasound detecting the blood flow through the heart.

The sonographer may ask the patient to hold their breath for a few seconds during the test or to change position in order to capture the clearest ultrasound images of the heart.

After your examination, the images from your study will be available on the Medscan Z-tech app. A report written by our radiologists, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. Medscan will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations. All images are available online with the Medscan Z-link app