Echocardiogram

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What is an echocardiogram? (Echo) 

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan that gives information about the pump function and the structure of the heart. It does not use radiation.

How is an Echo performed? 

The test is carried out in a darkened room. You will need to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a gown that should be left open at the front.

The healthcare professional performing the test is called Cardiac Physiologist, who may be male or female. If you wish, you can have a chaperone with you during the test. We can provide a trained member of hospital staff to act as a chaperone for you. Please let us know in advance if you would like this by contacting us using the details on your appointment letter.

A copy of the Trust’s Chaperone Policy is available on request.

A recorder (probe) is placed on your chest and a pulse of high frequency sound waves are passed through the skin of your chest. Lubricating jelly is placed on the probe to help make good contact with the skin.

The probe then picks up echoes reflected from various parts of the heart and shows them as an echocardiogram – a picture on a screen.

You can see different parts of the heart as the probe is moved around different areas of your chest.  Recording these images is a skilful job and can take up to an hour.

Risks and Complications 

Occasionally, discomfort may be felt on your chest wall due to the positioning of the probe whilst imaging the heart.

There are no recorded complications of this test. You may eat and drink as normal before and after the test.

After the Echocardiogram 

You should not experience any problems after the test and can carry on as normal.

The physiologist will not share the results on the day. The physiologist will report directly back to the requesting clinician who will contact you themselves.

For any queries regarding your Echocardiogram please phone: 

Cardiology Department   01908 997197 / 01908 996020 / 01908996015 or email [email protected]. Please provide your hospital (MRN) or NHS number (top left corner of your appointment letter), this will help us to deal with your query more efficiently. The booking team will be able to help you Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00, excluding Bank Holidays.