What is an Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)?

An Echocardiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart. It allows detailed assessment of the heart chambers, valves, muscle thickness, pumping function and blood flow.

This test provides vital information about how well the heart is working and is widely used to diagnose, monitor and manage a range of cardiac conditions. It does not use radiation and is considered safe and painless.

Echocardiography plays a key role in both preventive cardiovascular screening and investigation of heart-related symptoms.

When an Echocardiogram is recommended

An Echocardiogram may be recommended if there are symptoms or findings suggesting heart disease or abnormal cardiac function.

You may be advised to have this test if you:

• Experience shortness of breath
• Have chest pain or tightness
• Have palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Have a heart murmur detected on examination
• Have high blood pressure affecting the heart
• Have a history of heart disease
• Need monitoring of known cardiac conditions
• Have abnormal ECG or blood test results

What the Echocardiogram assesses

The scan evaluates:

• Heart chamber size and structure
• Heart muscle thickness and movement
• Pumping function (ejection fraction)
• Heart valve structure and function
• Blood flow through the heart (Doppler assessment)
• Presence of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)

Benefits of an Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)

1. Comprehensive assessment of heart structure and function
   Provides detailed cardiac imaging.
2. Non-invasive and painless
   No needles or radiation exposure.
3. Detects valve and muscle abnormalities
   Identifies heart valve disease and cardiomyopathy.
4. Assesses heart pumping efficiency
   Measures how well the heart circulates blood.
5. Supports early diagnosis of heart disease
   Enables timely management.
6. Safe and repeatable
   Suitable for follow-up and monitoring.
7. Provides real-time functional assessment
   Visualises heart movement and blood flow.
8. Widely used in cardiovascular care
   Standard investigation in cardiology.

How the Echocardiogram is performed

The test is carried out by a trained cardiac sonographer using ultrasound equipment.

• You will lie comfortably on an examination couch
• Ultrasound gel is applied to the chest
• A handheld probe is moved over the chest wall
• Images are captured in real time

The test usually takes 30–45 minutes. No recovery time is required.

Understanding your Echocardiogram results

Normal findings

Heart chambers, valves and pumping function are within expected ranges.

Typical report:

• Normal cardiac structure and function

Structural or functional abnormalities

The scan may show valve disease, reduced pumping function or chamber enlargement.

Typical report:

• Abnormal cardiac findings identified

Reduced heart function

Changes in pumping efficiency may indicate heart muscle weakness.

Typical report:

• Reduced left ventricular function noted

Results are interpreted alongside symptoms, ECG findings and clinical history.