Echocardiography
An echocardiography is an examination of the heart that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. The examination is safe and does not involve radiation.
Plan your appointment
Why have an echocardiography?
With echocardiography, the doctor can visualise the heart and assess the following:
- how well the heart pumps
- whether the heart valves are working properly
- whether there are thickened or enlarged heart chambers or leaking heart valves
- whether there is fluid around the heart
- whether there is a widening of the aorta
- whether there are areas of the heart muscle that contrac less well due to a current or previous (acute or past) heart attack
The examination is performed on an outpatient basis at the hospital and is often requested in case of complaints such as shortness of breath, chest pain, heart rhythm disorders, dizziness and/or fainting.
How does the examination work?
You lie on an examination couch, preferably on the left side with your left arm under your head. The doctor applies a gel to your chest and moves a small device over your skin. The sound waves emitted bounce back onto the heart and are converted into moving images on a screen.
Types of echocardiography
In addition to the standard ultrasound performed on the outside of the chest, there are other types:
- Transoesophageal ultrasound: a thin tube is passed into the oesophagus to obtain more detailed images
- Stress echocardiography: performed during or after physical exercise to see how the heart responds to stress
- Contrast echocardiography: a contrast agent is given through a drip to improve visualisation of certain structures
Departments
Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please contact the department(s) below.