An echocardiogram (echo) uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of your heart — showing its size, shape, how well the chambers and valves are working, and how blood flows through it. It is one of the most important diagnostic tools in cardiology, and at Victoria Medical, I perform and interpret every scan personally.[1]
Before Your Appointment
- Wear a two-piece outfit — you will need to remove clothing from the waist up and will be given a gown
- No fasting is required for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram
- Continue taking all your usual medications unless specifically advised otherwise
- Bring a list of your current medications and any previous cardiac test results
- Allow 30–45 minutes for the full appointment (scan takes approximately 20–30 minutes)
- You can drive and return to normal activities immediately afterwards
During the Scan
You will lie on your left side on an examination couch. I apply a small amount of ultrasound gel to your chest and move a probe (transducer) across different positions to obtain images of your heart from multiple angles. You may hear a "whooshing" sound — this is the Doppler signal measuring blood flow velocity. The scan is completely painless, involves no radiation, and takes 20–30 minutes.[3]
What the Scan Assesses
| Structure | What We Measure | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Left ventricle | Size, wall thickness, ejection fraction (pumping function) | Heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertensive heart disease |
| Heart valves | Opening, closing, regurgitation (leaking), stenosis (narrowing) | Valvular heart disease — aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation |
| Right heart | Size, pressure estimates, tricuspid valve function | Pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure |
| Pericardium | Fluid around the heart (effusion) | Pericarditis, post-surgical changes |
| Aorta | Root diameter, ascending aorta size | Aortic aneurysm, Marfan syndrome |
| Blood flow | Doppler velocities across all valves | Severity grading of valve disease, diastolic function |
After the Scan
At Victoria Medical, I discuss preliminary findings with you immediately after the scan. A full written report is available within 24 hours. If anything requires further investigation or treatment, I explain the next steps clearly and can arrange specialist referral the same day if needed.
From Our Practice
"Many patients are nervous before their first echocardiogram. I always explain that it is essentially the same technology used in pregnancy scans — completely safe, painless, and non-invasive. The most important thing you can do is relax and breathe normally. I guide you through every step."
— Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Cardiologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an echocardiogram painful?
No. It is completely painless. You may feel slight pressure from the probe on your chest, but there is no discomfort.
How long does it take?
The scan itself takes 20–30 minutes. Allow 30–45 minutes for the full appointment including discussion of findings.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly at Victoria Medical without a GP referral.
Is there any radiation?
No. Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves, not X-rays. It is completely safe and can be repeated as often as clinically needed.
When will I get results?
I discuss preliminary findings immediately after the scan. A full written report is available within 24 hours.
Can I eat and drink before the scan?
Yes. No fasting is required for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. Continue eating, drinking, and taking medications as normal.
Related Guides
ECG vs Echocardiogram
What's the difference?
When to See a Cardiologist
Warning signs explained
Heart Palpitations
Causes and tests
Echocardiogram Service
Book your heart scan
References
- [1] British Society of Echocardiography. A minimum dataset for a standard adult transthoracic echocardiogram. 2020. View source
- [2] Marwick TH. The role of echocardiography in heart failure. J Nucl Med. 2015;56(Suppl 4):31S–38S. View source
- [3] Cheitlin MD, et al. ACC/AHA guidelines for the clinical application of echocardiography. Circulation. 1997;95(6):1686–1744. View source
- [4] NICE CG187. Acute heart failure: diagnosis and management. 2014. View source
- [5] Lancellotti P, et al. European Association of Echocardiography recommendations for the assessment of valvular regurgitation. Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010;11(4):307–332. View source
- [6] Nagueh SF, et al. Recommendations for the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function by echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2016;29(4):277–314. View source
