An echocardiogram can detect a number of important heart conditions.
Heart valve disease
The scan can identify problems with the heart valves, including:
- Valve narrowing (stenosis)
- Valve leakage (regurgitation)
- Valve thickening or calcification
- Valve prolapse
Valve conditions often develop gradually and may not cause symptoms initially.
Reduced heart pumping function
An echocardiogram measures how effectively the heart pumps blood around the body. It can identify:
- Reduced left ventricular function
- Cardiomyopathy
- Features of heart failure
The scan measures the ejection fraction, an important indicator of heart pumping performance.
Thickened heart muscle
Conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or long-standing high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to become thickened.
Echocardiography allows accurate measurement of the heart muscle and assessment of how the heart is working.
Diastolic dysfunction
Sometimes the heart pumps normally but becomes stiffer and less able to relax between beats.
This is known as diastolic dysfunction and can contribute to symptoms such as breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance.
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Structural heart abnormalities
The scan can also identify structural changes within the heart, including:
- Enlarged heart chambers
- Congenital heart abnormalities
- Atrial septal defects
Fluid around the heart
An echocardiogram can detect pericardial effusion, which is fluid around the heart. Small amounts are often harmless, but larger collections may require medical review.
Effects of long-standing high blood pressure
High blood pressure can gradually affect the heart muscle.
An echocardiogram can detect:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
- Enlargement of the left atrium
- Early changes in heart function
These changes may appear before symptoms develop.
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How often are serious problems found?
Most echocardiograms are normal or show only mild changes that do not require treatment.
The scan is frequently performed to provide reassurance when symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness or chest discomfort occur. When abnormalities are present, echocardiography can help detect them early, allowing appropriate follow-up or cardiology assessment.
When should you consider an Echocardiogram?
You may consider an echocardiogram if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- A heart murmur detected by your doctor
Some people also choose to have a scan for reassurance or preventative heart screening.
Is an Echocardiogram safe?
Yes. Echocardiography is a very safe and widely used test.
It uses ultrasound rather than radiation and does not require injections or sedation. Most people can return to normal activities immediately after the scan.
When an Echocardiogram is reassuring
Many patients are relieved to find that their heart structure and pumping function are completely normal.
A normal echocardiogram can help rule out many significant structural heart problems and often provides reassurance when symptoms are concerning.
Echocardiograms at Your Heart Scan
At Your Heart Scan, all echocardiograms are performed using high-resolution ultrasound equipment and interpreted by experienced cardiac specialists.
Our service offers:
- Rapid appointments
- Detailed heart assessment
- Clear and easy-to-understand reports
- No GP referral required
If any significant abnormalities are identified, we advise that cardiology review is considered to ensure appropriate follow-up.
Book an Echocardiogram
If you are concerned about your heart health or experiencing symptoms, a private echocardiogram can provide reassurance and help identify potential heart problems early.
You can book directly with Your Heart Scan, with results typically available shortly after the scan.