How Long Does an Echocardiogram Take?
An echocardiogram usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes. To understand why, it helps to learn what an echocardiogram is and what happens during an echocardiogram.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is also called an echo. It is an ultrasound scan of your heart and its main blood vessels.
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body in real-time. The sound waves used are beyond the human range of hearing and so cannot be heard.
The sound waves are released by a small, handheld ultrasound probe that is positioned at specific points on your chest. As the sound waves pass through your body, they bounce back whenever they encounter boundaries between different body tissues.
The reflected sound waves – sometimes called echoes – are detected by the same handheld ultrasound probe. These signals are then used to construct a moving image of your heart.
This allows an echocardiogram to detect the structures of your heart and its main blood vessels, which can help diagnose a range of heart conditions.
Echocardiogram vs electrocardiogram: what is the difference?
An echocardiogram (Echo) creates real-time, greyscale pictures of your heart and its main blood vessels. In contrast, an electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of your heart – this is presented as a graph.
A simple ECG (a three-lead ECG) is often performed alongside an echocardiogram to provide a heart rate and rhythm and enable accurately timed measurements of the heart structure and function.
How is an echocardiogram done?
At Vista Health, we offer transthoracic echocardiograms, which are the preferred method for heart health assessments.
To have a TTE, you will need to remove the clothing from your upper body and usually lie down on an examination table on your left-hand side. Three electrodes (sticky sensors attached to wires) will be stuck onto different parts of your chest.
These electrodes will measure the electrical activity of your heart as part of a simple, three-lead ECG carried out alongside your echocardiogram. This is different from a standard ECG that creates 12 leads of recordings. Depending on the findings of your echocardiogram, your doctor may recommend that you also have a 12-lead ECG.
Next, you will need to lie down on your left side. A gel will be applied at specific positions across your chest and the ultrasound probe will then be used to acquire the images. This is not a painful procedure. However, if it proves difficult to obtain clear images, greater pressure may need to be applied as the probe is moved across your chest. This may cause some mild discomfort.
Once your TTE is complete, you can return to your usual activities immediately after. A TTE usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes.
What can an echocardiogram detect?
At Vista Health we offer echocardiograms to help identify a range of heart conditions that develop after birth (acquired heart disease).
An echocardiogram can, therefore, be used alongside other tests to help in the diagnosis of:
● cardiomyopathy
● coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease)
● endocarditis
● heart failure
● heart valve defects
● pericardial disease
When to consider an echocardiogram
If you have a family history of heart conditions, such as heart disease, or if you want to know where you stand with your heart health, an echocardiogram can help.
By detecting early signs of heart disease, damage and defects, you can take the right steps as soon as possible to get your heart health back on track.
Preparing for your echocardiogram appointment
If you are having a TTE, you can take part in all your usual activities before your scan, including eating, drinking and taking your usual medications.
How to request and get an echocardiogram test
At Vista Health, you can self-refer for a private echocardiogram, specifically a TTE. This means you do not need to wait on a referral from a GP, Cardiologist or other healthcare professional.
So, if you are concerned about a family history of acquired heart disease or simply want to check your heart health, book a private echocardiogram with Vista Health today.