Cardiac Ultrasound
A cardiac ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram or "echo" is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function. It can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions including:
- Heart failure
- Congenital heart defects
- Valve problems
- Damage from a heart attack
- Problems with the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
- Infections on or around the heart valves (endocarditis)
At San Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, we have highly qualified male and female sonographers perform transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) and work closely with San Echocardiologists who produce high quality echocardiology reports. We have state-of-the-art ultrasound machines providing the latest in ultrasound technology to maximise image quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any preparation for my ultrasound examination?
There is no need to do any special preparation before having this test, and no recovery time will be needed. You may be asked to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your examination for registration.
What can I expect?
An echo or transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is painless and noninvasive. Your sonographer will guide you through the following steps:
- You will need to remove your clothes from the waist up and put on a gown.
- You will lie on your back or side on an examination bed and have ECG leads attached to monitor your heart rhythm.
- The sonographer will apply gel to the chest and move a wand (transducer) across the chest to collect images and perform measurements. You will hear whooshing sound as they assess the blood flowing through your heart.
- You may need to change position or hold your breath for a short time at specific intervals.
How long will the ultrasound examination take?
Your cardiac ultrasound examination generally takes approximately 45 minutes.
Is ultrasound safe?
Ultrasound has been used as a safe, fast and accessible medical diagnostic tool for nearly 40 years and does not use ionising radiation.
What is a Transesophageal Echo (TOE)?
For more detailed images, your doctor may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE). For this procedure the transducer is guided into your oesophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. With the transducer behind your heart, we can get a better view of any problems and visualise some chambers of the heart that are not seen on the transthoracic echocardiogram.
TOE's are performed by one of our specialist cardiologists in the Cardiac Catheter Lab and require sedation so will be associated with a hospital day stay admission.
