What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram test is a type of ultrasound scan that produces detailed images of the heart. It is used to assess both the structure and function of the heart, helping to detect or monitor a range of conditions such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valve disorders, endocarditis, and more.
At Qscan Radiology Clinics, echocardiograms are performed by highly skilled sonographers and reported by expert Cardiologists. The most common type of test is the transthoracic echocardiogram, which is non-invasive and widely used for diagnostic assessment.
Other forms of echocardiography include:
- Stress echocardiogram, which assesses how your heart performs under physical stress (e.g., after exercise or with medication)
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram (also known transesophageal echocardiogram), which involves inserting a small probe into the oesophagus to obtain detailed heart images, typically when clearer views are needed.
An echocardiogram can provide valuable information about:
- The size and function of the heart chambers
- The motion of the heart’s muscular walls
- The state and function of the heart’s valves
- The presence of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- Ejection fraction, or the strength of contraction of the left ventricle (a measurement of how much blood the left ventricle pumps with each heartbeat)
This service is available at select Qscan clinics.
There is no specific preparation required for a transthoracic echocardiogram. If you have medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure, or if you have any concerns, please contact us before your appointment.
Please wear loose-fitting clothing. You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. Watches and jewellery may need to be removed, so we recommend leaving valuables at home.
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with:
- Your Medicare and/or concession card
- Your referral
- Any previous scan results or reports
If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by another adult during your scan.
Your sonographer will explain the procedure on the day of your appointment. You will lie on a table or bed and small, sticky electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your ECG.
Warmed gel will be applied to your chest, and a handheld device called a transducer will be used to obtain images of your heart. You may be asked to hold your breath, breathe deeply, or perform other simple breathing instructions during the scan.
After the scan, the gel will be wiped off and the ECG pads removed. You may then get dressed.
Your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram test if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid retention
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Signs of heart failure
It may also be used if you have a heart murmur or a family history of cardiac conditions.
Echocardiograms are performed using ultrasound technology, which does not use ionising radiation and has no known risks or side effects. This makes it a very safe and widely used diagnostic test.
There is generally no aftercare required following a transthoracic echocardiogram. You can resume normal daily activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
The cost depends on the type of scan and your Medicare eligibility. Our Customer Service Team will advise you of any out-of-pocket expenses or rebates associated with your echocardiogram test.
We recommend arranging alternative childcare or bringing another adult to supervise your child during the scan. Children are not allowed in the examination room, and our team must focus fully on your care to ensure safe and accurate imaging.
