An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. I use it to assess structure, pumping function and blood flow when there is a specific clinical question to answer.
It is often requested after a history and examination, sometimes alongside an ECG or rhythm monitor. It does not replace emergency assessment for severe or sudden symptoms.
Your clinician explains whether a transthoracic echocardiogram is appropriate, what it can contribute and how the result will be reported.
Written & reviewed by
Dr George XynopoulosConsultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763 · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, GMC 3502763
Clinical review date: 21 August 2026
View full profileWhat an echocardiogram can assess
A transthoracic echocardiogram can help assess heart chambers, valves, pumping function and blood-flow patterns. The result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination and other tests.
| Question | Why echo may help | What may also be needed |
|---|---|---|
| Heart structure | Assesses chambers and valve appearance | Clinical review and comparison with prior imaging |
| Pumping function | Assesses systolic function | ECG, blood tests or specialist review where appropriate |
| Breathlessness or murmur | May clarify a structural question | Urgency assessment and other tests based on presentation |
Preparation and safety
For a routine transthoracic echocardiogram, most people can continue normal food and drink unless the clinic gives a different instruction. Wear comfortable two-piece clothing and bring prior cardiac reports where available.
The appointment team will confirm the preparation and chaperone arrangements relevant to your examination before booking.
When not to wait for an echocardiogram
Call 999 for severe or worsening chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, new one-sided weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty or another life-threatening emergency. An outpatient echocardiogram is not a substitute for emergency assessment of acute symptoms.
How the result fits into care
An echocardiogram is not a stand-alone diagnosis. A report can support a cardiology plan, but symptoms, clinical history and other findings determine the next step. The clinic confirms the reporting and follow-up arrangements for your selected pathway at booking.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Confirm the question
The clinic confirms the reason for the scan.
Heart ultrasound
Images are acquired while you lie comfortably.
Reporting route
The clinic explains how the result will be reported and followed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]McDonagh TA et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal. 2021.
- [2]Nagueh SF et al. Recommendations for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function by Echocardiography. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 2016.
- [3]Hindricks G et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal. 2021.
- [4]Jones DW et al. 2025 AHA/ACC Guideline for Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2025.
- [5]Whelton PK et al. 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Hypertension. 2018.
- [6]Knuuti J et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes. European Heart Journal. 2020.
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