Echokardiografiean ultrasound scan of your heart.
Sound waves build a moving picture of your heart. It shows how well the heart pumps, how the valves open and close, and whether any chamber is enlarged.
In der Praxis verfügbar
At a glance
- How long
- 30–45 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Results
- Explained the same day
- Where
- In clinic
Why it might be recommended
Every test is chosen to answer a specific question. These are the most common reasons for this one.
- Breathlessness, swollen ankles or tiredness that may come from the heart
- A heart murmur heard on examination
- Known heart failure, valve disease or cardiomyopathy that needs monitoring
- Long-standing high blood pressure, to check its effect on the heart muscle
What happens
Getting ready
You undress to the waist, put on a gown and lie on a couch, turned slightly onto your left side.
Gel and probe
Cool gel goes on your chest and a small ultrasound probe is moved over it, pressing firmly at times.
Recording
Stickers on your chest record your rhythm alongside the images. You may be asked to hold your breath, and you may hear the blood flowing.
Results
The images are reviewed and the findings explained before you leave, with a written report to keep.
How to prepare
- Eat, drink and take your usual medicines as normal
- Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress to the waist
- Bring previous echo reports or hospital letters if you have them
Conditions it helps assess
- HerzinsuffizienzDer Herzmuskel pumpt oder füllt sich nicht so gut, wie er sollte, sodass der Körper weniger erhält, als er braucht.
- BluthochdruckDer Druck in den Arterien bleibt zu hoch. Er verursacht selten Beschwerden, belastet aber Herz und Gefäße auf Dauer.
- KardiomyopathieEine Erkrankung des Herzmuskels selbst, der verdickt, gedehnt oder versteift sein kann.
- HerzklappenerkrankungEine der vier Herzklappen öffnet sich nicht vollständig oder schließt nicht richtig.
Common questions
Does an echocardiogram hurt?
No. It uses ultrasound, not radiation. The only discomfort is the cool gel and some firm pressure from the probe.
Is it the same as an ECG?
No. An ECG records the heart's electrical activity; an echo shows its structure and movement. They are often done together because they answer different questions.
Can I drive afterwards?
Yes. There is no sedation, and you can return to normal activity straight away.
Other tests
All tests
EKGIn der Praxis verfügbar
Langzeit-EKG (Holter)In der Praxis verfügbar
BelastungstestIn der Praxis verfügbar
Kardiale RisikobewertungIn der Praxis verfügbar
CT-BildgebungÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
Kardio-MRTÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
KoronarangiografieÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
Analyse der KörperzusammensetzungÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
24-Stunden-BlutdruckmessungÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
Not sure this is the test you need?
You do not have to decide alone. Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Tests are chosen once your symptoms and history have been reviewed.
This page explains what the test involves. It is not medical advice for your situation. If you have sudden or severe chest pain, fainting or breathlessness, seek emergency care immediately.