What is Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram uses an ultrasound machine to take a scan of your heart. It is carried out by a specially qualified technician and is sometimes just called an ‘echo’.

Ultrasound machines detect sounds that are so high frequency they cannot be heard by humans. It is called an echocardiogram because the sound ‘bounces’ back from the heart tissue to give an accurate picture of the heart.

For example, ultrasound passes easily through fluid so there is little echo from the blood in the heart. The amount of ultrasound which echoes back depends on the thickness of the tissue that the sound has hit. However, heart valves are more solid, so the ultrasound waves hitting a valve will send back a clear picture of it.

Some abnormalities can be seen quite clearly. For example, damaged heart valves, thickened heart muscle and some congenital heart problems (present from birth).

Are There any Side Effects?

An echocardiogram is painless and harmless.