Ultrasound imaging of the heart muscle, valves and the blood flow in the heart
Echo is a test that uses inaudible ultrasound waves to create images of your heart to determine its structure and function. The ultrasound beam passes out from the probe and is reflected from the cardiac structures. It provides the doctor with information about the size and shape of your heart and how well the cardiac chambers and valves are working. Doppler analysis is a part of the echocardiogram and allows for the assessment of valvular disease by measuring blood flow across heart valves. An echo is particularly useful in the investigation of breathlessness and murmurs. For transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), ECG leads will be attached to your chest. An ultrasound probe will be placed on the chest wall in various positions to allow the acquisition of images. The whole test takes about 20-30 minutes and is not painful. Images are then stored in an electronic archive, and a report is produced.
Echocardiography allows measurements of the heart structures, assessment of the pumping function of the heart (contractility, systolic function) using parameters such as ejection fraction (EF) and the relaxation of the heart (diastolic function). In combination with Doppler analysis, it is possible to evaluate the presence and degree of valve disease (aortic stenosis/regurgitation, mitral stenosis/regurgitation, tricuspid stenosis/regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis/regurgitation) or congenital heart disease (e.g. atrial or ventricular septal defect, pulmonary and aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries).
Echo will be often required following the first appointment with Dr Ruzicka. Echo may need to be repeated at regular intervals in patients with valve disease and heart failure.
There are no known side effects or risks in using ultrasound for diagnostic assessments. A firm contact of the ultrasound probe with the chest wall is necessary to get good-quality images. Sometimes this can be a little uncomfortable, but it will not be painful. The gel used for the test is suitable even for people with sensitive skin.
The echocardiogram will normally be performed by Dr Ruzicka or one of the cardiac physiologists. The procedure will be explained, and you will be offered the opportunity to ask any questions about the test. Since direct access to the chest is needed, women are advised to wear trousers or a skirt rather than a dress. You will be asked to remove all your clothing above the waist, including your bra and to lie on a couch on your left side so that your lungs drop out of the way of the ultrasound beam. Your privacy will be protected by a gown that only exposes the necessary area. Three electrodes (plastic stickers) will be placed on your right side, left and right shoulder and attached to the echo machine.
The ultrasound probe with gel will be placed on your chest and moved as the heart is visualized from different angles. Images will be acquired and stored electronically in the echo machine. You will hear Doppler sounds from the machine; these are not real sounds produced by the heart but represent acoustic representation of blood flow volume and velocity. Once your assessment is complete, you will wipe the gel off and get dressed. The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Dr Ruzicka will discuss the echo report with you during your appointment, and depending on the result, appropriate action will be taken. You will be able to resume your normal activities; there is no special care following an echocardiogram.