🫀 What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a safe, painless test that uses ultrasound to create live images of your heart. It helps your doctor see how well your heart is working and check for any problems.

🧑‍⚕️ Why Is It Done?

You might be referred for an echo if you have:

• Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fatigue

• A heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds

• High blood pressure or known heart disease

• A need to monitor heart valves or heart function

• A check-up before surgery or after treatment

🛏️ What Happens During the Test?

Most patients have a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE):

• You’ll lie on a bed while a technician places gel on your chest

• A small device (called a transducer) is moved gently across your chest

• It sends sound waves that create moving pictures of your heart

• You may be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly

• The test usually takes 30–45 minutes and is completely safe

Other types include:

• Stress Echo – done before and after exercise to see how your heart responds

• Transesophageal Echo (TOE) – a probe is gently passed down the throat for clearer images of certain areas

🧴 How to Prepare

• No special preparation is needed for a standard echo

• Avoid using lotions or creams on your chest before the test

• If you’re having a TOE, you may need to fast for a few hours

📄 After the Test

• You can go home or return to work straight away

• A specialist will review your images and send a report to your doctor

• Your doctor will explain the results and next steps in your care