Echocardiogram

An ultrasound scan of the heart is called an echocardiogram (or echo). This is helpful when investigating breathlessness, chest pain, black outs, murmur, abnormal ECG or a family history of certain heart conditions.

The test involves lying on a couch in a darkened room while the physiologist acquires the images. You will be asked to undress to the waist. A hospital gown will be provided and a chaperone will be offered.

The physiologist places a probe with gel at different points on your chest wall to acquire the images. The test is painless, and takes up to 30 minutes. After the physiologist has acquired all the images, they will complete their report that will be reviewed by a consultant cardiologist.