Private Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, often called an echo, is a type of ultrasound that utilises sound waves to produce moving images of the heart. The echo can assess the size and shape of a heart and detect areas where the heart muscle is not contracting properly due to reduced blood flow from a past heart attack. A specific kind of echo known as Doppler ultrasound helps evaluate how efficiently blood circulates through the heart’s chambers and valves.

Echocardiogram can also identify:

• Potential blood clots within the heart.
• Fluid accumulation in the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart).
• Issues with the aorta, the major artery that transports oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Who Requires an Echocardiogram?

You may require an echocardiogram if you exhibit symptoms or signs of heart issues, like breathlessness or swelling in your legs, that may indicate heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient oxygenated blood to fulfil the body’s demands. An echo can assess how effectively your heart pumps blood.

In addition, an echocardiogram can help determine the reason for abnormal heart sounds like heart murmurs. Heart murmurs are unusual or additional sounds heard during a heartbeat. While some murmurs tend to be harmless, others may indicate underlying heart issues.

An echo can reveal increased thickening in the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart), which may be a result of heart valve disease, high blood pressure, or congenital heart defects. Furthermore, an echo can pinpoint weak heart muscles that aren’t pumping effectively. Damage caused by a heart attack may make certain parts of the heart weaken, which could also signal insufficient blood flow, an indication of coronary artery disease.

An echocardiogram can show whether your heart valves open and close properly. It can also identify congenital heart defects (structural disorders present at birth), as well as detect blood clots or tumours, especially after a recent stroke.

Purpose of an Echocardiogram

Echo is mostly recommended if:

• You are experiencing shortness of breath.
• You previously had a heart attack.
• Your doctor suspects heart failure.
• Your doctor detected a heart murmur.
• Your ECG results are not completely normal.
• You have a family history of specific heart disorders.
• You are receiving treatment with certain anti-cancer medications that require heart monitoring.
• You have high blood pressure.

Procedure Details

For a private echocardiogram, you will be asked to undress from the waist up and lie on an examination table. A probe will be placed on your chest, and lubricating gel will be applied to ensure good contact with the skin. Usually, the probe is linked to the ultrasound machine and screen with a wire.

Ultrasound pulses are transmitted from the probe via the skin into the heart. These waves bounce back from the heart and other structures, generating an image of the heart on the monitor.