Guide will answer your questions about Echocardiograms. Please contact the team if you require

further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram or ‘echo’ is a scan that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce pictures of

your heart. It’s a completely painless test that doesn’t have any side effects and doesn’t use radiation.

An echocardiogram tells us how well your heart is pumping and whether your heart valves are

working properly.

Why do I need an echocardiogram?

The scan provides your doctor with specific information about:

The structure and size of your heart.

The flow of blood to and out of your heart.

This information cannot be detected with an ordinary electrocardiogram (ECG).

Preparing for your procedure

You do not need to prepare for this scan.

You can eat and drink as normal on the day.

Medication

Please continue to take all medications as normal unless told otherwise by your doctor.

The day of the procedure

You will be taken into a room. The person performing the test is called a cardiac physiologist.

The procedure

Written consent will be obtained from you when you arrive to make sure you are happy to proceed.

You will be asked to undress down to the waist. You may put on a gown that should be open at the

front. You will be asked to lie on a couch. This may be on your back or on your left-hand side. If you

are unable to lie on your left side, we can conduct the echo while you are lying on your back.

Small adhesive pads (electrodes) will be placed on your chest and connected to the machine to

monitor your heartbeat during the test .An ultrasound probe (like a small microphone) covered by a

small amount of gel is placed gently on your chest and will be moved to different positions – in the

middle of the chest, beneath the left breast, beneath the rib cage and to the base of your neck. This

provides images of your heart from several different angles which are then recorded. The test is

carried out in semi-darkness so the lights will be dimmed once you are comfortable to proceed.

During the echocardiogram you may hear sounds coming from the machine, which represent blood

flow through the heart. If you do not wish to hear these sounds, the volume can be lowered or

muted.

The echocardiogram can take about 30-40 minutes to complete.After the procedure

You may resume your usual daily activities after the echocardiogram. The procedure does not impose

any specific restrictions; however, you should continue to follow any activity or medical advice

provided by your clinician. When the ultrasound scan is complete, the cardiac physiologist will

analyse the images and perform the detailed measurements. This part of the process is carried out

after you have left the room and does not require any further imaging

Can I drive after my procedure?

This procedure does not impair driving ability. You may drive after the scan if you feel well and if no

medical condition or DVLA guidance prevents you from doing so. Please follow any driving advice

already provided by your healthcare professional.

Receiving my results

Results are sent to you via an encrypted email &/or to your referring doctor if you have consented to

the latter communication.

Contact Information

Number: +442080581556 | +447745795699

Email: [email protected]

If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming ultrasound scan, please contact us.

We’re here to support you and ensure your scan experience is smooth and reassuring.

Thank you for choosing MedLabs!