What is Echocardiography?

Echocardiography is a method of studying the structure and function of the heart by measuring sound waves bounced off the heart to produce an Echogram of the heart. Echocardiography is a non-invasive, highly accurate and quick way to assess the overall health of the heart.

How do I know if I need the test?

You will be advised by our doctors whether you need an Echocardiogram.

How do I prepare for the test?

No preparation is required for this test.

What will happen during the test?

The doctor will ask you to lie down.  A probe placed on your chest will take recordings.  This test is completely painless and takes about 30 minutes. 

What will the test result tell me?

The resulting ultrasound image of your heart can point out abnormalities in its structure and function.  We should be able to provide a report of the test by the following day.

What happens next?

If the scan is abnormal you will be advised of further tests.  Sometimes a normal Echocardiography does not rule out the presence of heart disease.  Our doctors will recommend follow-up procedures.

Heart-Scan has recently purchased the new Vivid E 9. The Vivid E 9 is the flagship of the Vivid echo machines currently available from GE. The new echo machine provides 2 D imaging, as well as 4 D imaging, which enables the assessment of chest pain, heart failure, arrhythmia, valvular pathology, and infectious diseases of the heart. Purposely built for 4 D imaging, the Vivid E 9 is able to perform automated volumetric analysis in a single heart beat. Combining 2 D and colour Doppler functionality, we have the flexibility to perform a wide range of scanning procedures to give the most accurate diagnosis of cardiac and vascular anatomy.