Why Have an Echocardiogram?

There are many reasons why your doctor might refer you for an Echocardiogram. They include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Lack of stamina
• Age
• Obesity
• Evaluate heart murmurs
• ...and many more

Who performs the examination?

As an Echocardiogram is a type of Ultrasound, a specialist ultrasound technician called a Sonographer will perform this examination.

What happens during the examination?

In most cases you will be required to remove any clothing from the waist up. The sonographer will apply a gel to your chest and pass a marker pen shaped instrument called a transducer over the gel. Images of your heart and surrounding blood vessels should then appear on a screen in front of you showing live images of the blood flow through the heart and surrounding valves. Once the sonographer is satisfied that there are accurate images of all the relevant valves and arteries your examination is over.

The images are assessed and reported upon by a Radiologist. Once you have your film and report you are finished. Remember to take your film and report to your next doctor's appointment.

In most cases the whole process takes less than an hour from entering the building and leaving with your images and report.

Is the examination painful or uncomfortable?

Other than the initial cool feeling of the gel on your chest you should not feel any pain or discomfort during an echocardiogram.

What does it show?

Echocardiograms can show if there is any blood clotting, restricted flow or excessive pressure on the heart valves and surrounding blood vessels. As echocardiograms are a type of ultrasound they show images in real time motion they can show the efficiency of the flow at the exact time of scanning. This can be used to create a measurement of the flow of blood through the major blood vessels entering and leaving the heart.

Do I need to do any preparation for an Echocardiogram?

You should wear loose fitting comfortable clothes for your appointment. Other than that there is no preparation required.

Where can I have this examination and how much does it cost?

Echocardiograms are available at all X-RAY & IMAGING practices and are bulk billed ($0) to all Medicare and DVA patients who have a doctors referral.

Do I need to book an appointment for an Echocardiogram?

Yes. Only Sonographers who have specialist training in echocardiography can perform this examination so you must book first to ensure that there is one on site. Call your closest X-RAY & IMAGING practice now to arrange a suitable appointment.

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