Spotlight on Echocardiograms or 'Echos'

An echocardiogram, also known as an ‘Echo’ for short, is a common, non-invasive test performed on the heart. High frequency sound waves are used to view your heart beating and blood pumping in real time. The images obtained can help to assess the overall function of your heart and identify heart disease.

The test is often performed to investigate chest pain, shortness of breath, the function of valves and chambers in the heart, and to look for any inflammation or structural abnormalities. It can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical interventions. Echo is often combined with doppler ultrasound to view the flow of blood across the heart’s chambers.

During the echocardiogram, you will be asked to wear a gown and lie on your left side. The sonographer will place three small electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor the electrical activity of your heart. Gel is spread gel over a small wand, known as a transducer, which will be pressed firmly against your skin. Ultrasounds are beamed through your chest and into your heart. These sound waves are recorded and converted into moving images on the monitor. You may be asked to change positions during the test so that pictures of different areas of the heart may be taken.

Most people find they have no discomfort during the test. It is very safe and takes anywhere from 30- 40 minutes to complete. You can go back to your normal activities immediately after the test. Your results will then be reviewed by your cardiologist and discussed with you at your next appointment.

Northern Specialist Suites offer echocardiograms at our clinic at Mawson Lakes. For more information, contact our clinic on (08) 8250 0311. General practitioners can download a referral form from our website and email it to referral@northernss.net.au or via Healthlink EDI: ‘Northess’