Is ultrasound used for heart examinations?

Is ultrasound used for heart examinations?

Yes, ultrasound is commonly used to examine the heart. The scan is called an echocardiogram, or “echo” for short. It uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart without using radiation.

In the UK, echocardiograms are widely available in NHS hospitals and many private clinics. They are a standard way to check how the heart is working and whether its valves and chambers are healthy. The test is painless and usually takes place in a hospital department or cardiology clinic.

What does a heart ultrasound show?

An echocardiogram can show the size and shape of the heart. It can also show how well the heart muscle is pumping blood around the body. This helps doctors spot problems such as heart failure or weakened heart function.

The scan can also assess the heart valves. Doctors can see if a valve is too narrow, leaking, or not opening and closing properly. In some cases, it can help identify fluid around the heart or signs of congenital heart defects.

What happens during the scan?

During a standard heart ultrasound, you will usually lie on an examination couch. A sonographer or doctor will place a small probe on your chest with some gel. The probe sends sound waves into the body and picks up the returning echoes to form images.

The test is generally quick and comfortable. You may be asked to change position or hold your breath for a few seconds so clearer images can be taken. Most people can go home or return to work straight after the appointment.

Are there different types of heart ultrasound?

There are a few types of echocardiogram. A transthoracic echocardiogram, or TTE, is the most common and is done from outside the chest. A transoesophageal echocardiogram, or TOE, uses a probe passed into the oesophagus to get clearer images of the heart.

Some people may also have a stress echocardiogram. This is done before and after exercise, or after medication that makes the heart work harder. It helps doctors see how the heart behaves under strain.

When might it be recommended?

A heart ultrasound may be recommended if someone has symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, or swelling in the legs. It may also be used after an abnormal ECG or if a doctor hears a heart murmur. In some cases, it is used to monitor known heart conditions over time.

It is also helpful before certain treatments or operations. For example, doctors may want to check heart function before surgery or after a heart attack. The scan helps guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.