Key Takeaways
- Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of your heart.
- Doctors assess the heart’s structure, function, valves and blood flow.
- It helps detect conditions such as heart failure, valve disease and congenital abnormalities.
- The scan is non-invasive, painless and does not involve radiation.
When your doctor recommends an echocardiography scan, you might wonder, what are they actually looking for on that screen? Is it just a picture of the heart, or something more detailed?
If you are based in Singapore and have been advised to undergo this test, understanding what happens during the scan can help you feel more reassured and informed.
What Is Echocardiography and How Does It Work?
Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images of the heart.
- A small handheld device called a transducer is placed on your chest.
- The device sends sound waves that bounce off the heart structures.
- These echoes are converted into detailed images on a monitor.
Because it provides real-time visuals, your doctor can see how your heart beats and how blood flows through it.
What Structures of the Heart Is the Doctor Examining?
During an echocardiography scan, your doctor carefully evaluates,
- The Heart Chambers- Enlarged chambers may indicate conditions such as long-standing high blood pressure or cardiomyopathy.
- The Heart Valves- Valve problems can affect blood circulation and may require monitoring or treatment.
- The Pumping Function- Reduced pumping function may suggest heart failure or previous heart damage.
How Does Echocardiography Assess Blood Flow?
Using a special mode called Doppler imaging, echocardiography allows doctors to,
- Observe the direction of blood flow
- Detect abnormal flow patterns
- Measure pressure differences inside the heart
This is particularly useful in diagnosing valve disorders and congenital heart conditions.
Can Echocardiography Detect Blocked Arteries?
While echocardiography does not directly visualise coronary artery blockages, it can,
- Show areas of weakened heart muscle
- Identify abnormal movement of the heart wall
- Suggest previous heart attacks
If needed, your doctor may recommend further tests such as stress testing or CT coronary imaging.
Why Might Your Doctor Recommend Echocardiography?
Your doctors may advise this scan if you experience:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Swelling of the legs
- Abnormal ECG findings
- Known heart murmurs
It is also commonly used for routine monitoring in patients with known heart conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is echocardiography painful?
No. The test is non-invasive and generally painless. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, but it is usually comfortable.
- How long does the scan take?
A standard echocardiography scan typically takes between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the assessment.
- Do I need to prepare before the test?
For a standard transthoracic echocardiography, no special preparation is usually required. Your clinic will advise you if any specific instructions apply.
- Is echocardiography safe?
Yes. It uses ultrasound waves and does not involve radiation exposure.
- How soon will I get my results?
In most cases, the doctor will review and explain the findings after analysing the images, either on the same day or during a follow-up consultation.
When Should You Consider a Heart Check?
Your heart works continuously often without noticeable symptoms until a problem develops. Early evaluation can help identify concerns before they become serious. If you have been advised to undergo echocardiography, or if you are experiencing persistent cardiac symptoms, it may be appropriate to seek medical assessment.
At The Heart Matters Clinic in Singapore, patients are assessed thoroughly and investigations such as echocardiography are recommended when clinically indicated. If you have concerns about your heart health, schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and determine whether further evaluation is needed.