What is echocardiography?
Echocardiography ultrasounds assess the structure and function of the heart. The scan will produce detailed images of the heart, called echocardiograms, which can be used to detect or monitor a range of conditions including congenital heart disease, endocarditis, cardiomyopathy, valve disease and more.
Echocardiography studies at Qscan Radiology Clinics are performed by highly skilled sonographers and reported by expert Cardiologists.
Echocardiography can be used to assess:
- 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 this study. If you have existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure, or if you have any other concerns, please contact us.
Please wear loose clothing to your appointment. For this scan, you will be asked to remove your clothes from your waist up and you will be given a gown to wear. You may also be asked to remove objects like watches or jewellery for your scan, so consider leaving any valuables at home.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient.
Your sonographer will explain the procedure to you on the day. You will then lie on a table or bed and will be connected to an ECG monitor using small, sticky electrodes. Your sonographer will place warmed gel on your chest before placing a smooth, handheld device called a transducer onto your skin.
The sonographer will perform a detailed assessment of the heart and obtain images to support the diagnostic report. You may be asked to hold your breath, take deep breaths, or sniff through your nose during the scan.
After the procedure, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the ECG electrode pads. You may then put on your clothes.
Your referring practitioner may recommend echocardiography if you have experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid retention, chest pain, signs of heart failure, lightheadedness or palpitations. They may also suggest this study if you have a heart murmur or a family history of heart problems.
Ultrasounds do not use ionising radiation, have no known risks, side effects, or complications, and are considered very safe.
Generally echocardiography ultrasound does not require any specific after care. After your scan, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner.
The cost of your scan depends on several factors, and our Customer Service Team can advise you of all costs involved with your ultrasound, including any out-of-pocket costs (if relevant).
