❤️ Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)

A non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to create moving images of the heart’s structure and function.

🔍 What is it?

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to take real-time images of the heart, showing its size, shape, pumping strength, and how well the valves are working. It's a key tool in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions.

It can be done externally (transthoracic) or internally via the oesophagus (transoesophageal).

🧪 What does it show?

• Heart chamber size and wall thickness
• Heart valve function
• Blood flow and direction (Doppler imaging)
• Signs of heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• Presence of clots, fluid, or infection

❓ Why might I need it?

🫀 Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
💓 Heart murmurs or irregular heartbeat
🧬 Family history of heart disease
🏃‍♂️ Reduced exercise tolerance or fatigue
🩺 Monitoring known heart conditions

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• Valve disorders (e.g., stenosis or regurgitation)
• Congenital heart disease
• Pericardial effusion (fluid around heart)
• Endocarditis (infection)
• Atrial or ventricular clots

🩺 How is it done?

A probe with gel is placed on your chest. For detailed views, a small probe may be inserted via the throat.

⏱ Duration: 20–45 minutes
🧘‍♀️ Painless and non-invasive
📊 Results usually available within 1–3 days

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

💰 £250–£500

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• ECG – to assess heart rhythm
• Chest X-ray – to assess lung and heart size
• Blood tests – for cardiac markers or cholesterol

📚 References:

• NHS – Echocardiogram Overview
• British Heart Foundation – Tests for Heart Conditions
• NICE – Cardiovascular Diagnostic Guidelines