Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) at Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital

During a standard echocardiogram (also called a transthoracic echocardiogram), an ultrasound probe is moved across your chest. The probe uses high frequency sound waves to create moving images, so your doctor can look at the structure and function of your heart and surrounding blood vessels.

Your GP or a doctor who specialises in treating the heart (a cardiologist) may refer you for an echocardiogram if they think there is a problem with your heart. An echocardiogram can help detect, monitor and plan treatment for the following heart conditions:

• Cardiomyopathy — thickening of your heart wall
• Congenital heart disease — birth defects in your heart
• Endocarditis — infection of your heart
• Heart attack damage
• Heart failure
• Heart valve problems

An echocardiogram can also check how well medical or surgical treatments of the heart are working.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will need a referral letter from a consultant or GP before booking any diagnostic investigation.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

A cardiologist or a technician called a sonographer will perform your scan using a device called a transducer, which sends out high frequency ultrasound waves. These waves will bounce off internal structures in your body, including your heart, creating echoes. The transducer will detect these echoes and send them to a computer, which will convert them into live images of your heart and its surrounding blood vessels.

For a standard echocardiogram, also known as a transthoracic echocardiogram, you will be asked to lie down. A cold, sticky gel will be applied to the transducer before it is then pressed against the skin of your chest, over your heart. This gel helps the ultrasound waves reach your heart.

The procedure is safe and although you may feel a slight pressure as the transducer is pressed against your skin, it is usually not uncomfortable.

An echocardiogram takes no more than an hour and you’ll be able to go home on the same day.

Your doctor may be able to explain your echocardiogram results during or immediately after the test. If they’re able to make a diagnosis, they can recommend the next steps in your personal treatment plan.

A standard (transthoracic) echocardiogram is a safe procedure with no known side effects as it doesn’t use any radiation, unlike CT scans and X-rays, but instead uses ultrasound waves.

Recovery time

As this is a minor test and you should be able to return to normal activities and go home on the same day.

Looking after you

We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital. If you're having cardiac care with us, we'll book you an appointment to get the results of the test within a few days. Otherwise we will send them swiftly to your NHS doctors.

We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.