An echocardiogram, often called an “echo”, is a heart scan. It uses sound waves, known as ultrasound, to create moving pictures of the heart.
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, an echocardiogram does not use radiation. Instead, it works in the same way as the scans used during pregnancy. Doctors use echocardiograms to see how the heart muscle, valves, and blood flow are working. It is one of the most common heart tests in the UK and is widely used in both hospitals and specialist heart clinics.
What Does an Echocardiogram Show?
The images from an echocardiogram can show a lot of detail about the heart’s structure and function. Doctors can see the size of the heart and whether it is pumping strongly enough. They can check if the valves are working properly or if blood is leaking through them. The scan can also show blood clots, fluid around the heart, or signs of infection and damage after a heart attack.
By giving a clear picture of how the heart is working in real time, an echocardiogram helps doctors diagnose problems such as heart failure, valve disease, or congenital heart conditions that may be present from birth. It can also be used to track how these conditions change over time.
Actual results of an Echocardiogram scan of a female.
How Does it Work?
An echocardiogram works by using ultrasound technology. A small device called a transducer is placed on the chest and gives out high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off the structures of the heart, and the returning echoes are picked up by the transducer. A computer then turns them into moving images.
On the screen, doctors can see the heart beating and blood moving through it. Some machines add colour to show the direction of blood flow, which makes it easier to see if blood is going the wrong way or if a valve is not closing properly.
What to Expect During the Test
The test is usually done while you are lying on a bed in a hospital department or clinic. A healthcare professional will put a small amount of gel on your chest, which helps the sound waves travel. The transducer is then moved across the chest to capture images from different angles. Sometimes you may be asked to roll onto your side or hold your breath for a few seconds to make the pictures clearer.
The test is painless, though pressing the transducer firmly on the chest may feel a little uncomfortable. You may also notice the gel feels cool when it is applied. The whole process usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, and you can go home straight afterwards.
Simple carousel diagram to show the Echocardiogram procedure.
Different Types of Echocardiogram
The most common type is called a transthoracic echocardiogram, where the transducer is placed on the chest. In some cases, doctors may need a clearer picture of certain areas, so they use a transoesophageal echocardiogram. For this test, the transducer is placed on a thin tube and gently guided down the throat into the oesophagus, which sits close to the heart. This gives sharper images, but it is slightly more invasive and often done under light sedation.
Another type is a stress echocardiogram. This test looks at how the heart works when it is beating faster, either after exercise or after being given medicine that increases heart rate. Echocardiograms can also be done during pregnancy to check a baby’s heart, known as a foetal echocardiogram.
Is it Safe?
Echocardiograms are very safe. Because they use sound waves instead of radiation, they can be performed on adults, children, and even unborn babies without risk. The standard test is non-invasive and has no side effects.
The more specialised transoesophageal echocardiogram carries a small risk, as it involves passing a probe down the throat, but it is generally very safe when carried out by trained staff. Any mild risks are far outweighed by the benefits of having clear information about the health of your heart.
Who Performs an Echocardiogram?
The test is usually carried out by a sonographer, who is a healthcare professional trained in ultrasound scanning, or by a cardiologist, who is a doctor specialising in the heart. They record the images during the test, and then a cardiologist interprets the results. The cardiologist looks for problems with the heart muscle, valves, or blood flow and decides whether treatment or further tests are needed.
What Happens After the Test?
Most people can leave straight after a standard echocardiogram. If you had a transoesophageal echo, you may need to wait until the sedation has worn off before going home. The results are not usually given immediately, as they need to be carefully reviewed. A cardiologist will analyse the images and write a report, which is sent to your GP or specialist. They will then explain what the results mean and discuss the next steps, if any.
Common Questions About Echocardiograms
One of the most common questions people ask is whether the test hurts. The answer is no. At most, you might feel mild pressure from the transducer on your chest, but the scan itself is painless. Another question is whether you can eat or drink before the test. For a standard echo, there are no restrictions, but for a transoesophageal echo you will usually be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand.
Many people also wonder how long they will need to stay in hospital. For the majority of tests, you can go home straight away, unless sedation was used. Parents often ask if children can have echocardiograms, and the answer is yes. The test is safe for children and even for newborn babies. Results are usually available within a few days, although urgent cases may be reported more quickly.
How Often Should I Have an Echocardiogram?
Echocardiograms are widely available on the NHS if your doctor thinks you need one, and they are free at the point of care. Waiting times vary depending on your local hospital and how busy the service is. Some people choose to have the test privately to get results more quickly. In private clinics, the cost is either paid directly or covered by medical insurance. Both options provide the same type of scan, so the choice often depends on how urgently you need the test and whether you are happy to wait.
Factors That Influence If You Need an Echo
Doctors recommend an echocardiogram when there are good reasons to check the heart. This may be because you have chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fainting episodes. Sometimes a GP or hospital doctor hears a heart murmur with a stethoscope and refers you for a scan to find out if there is a problem with the valves. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems may also be more likely to need this test.
Are There Alternatives to an Echocardiogram?
Other tests can also provide information about the heart, though they work in different ways. An electrocardiogram (ECG) looks at the electrical activity of the heart rather than its structure. A CT coronary angiogram shows the blood vessels of the heart in detail using X-rays and contrast dye. An MRI scan of the heart can give very detailed images, particularly of soft tissues, but it takes longer and is not always needed. Stress tests, where the heart is monitored during exercise, can also provide useful information.
Summary
An echocardiogram is a safe and painless ultrasound scan that shows detailed moving images of the heart. It can reveal how well the heart muscle and valves are working and can help doctors diagnose or monitor many heart conditions. Most people only need one when there are symptoms or risk factors, and the test is widely available on the NHS as well as privately. Because it uses sound waves and not radiation, it is safe for almost everyone, including children and unborn babies.
Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.