Echocardiography
Patient information
What we do
Over a period of 45 minutes, we perform a detailed examination of your heart, using an ultrasound probe on your chest to take pictures of your heart from different angles. The test is non-invasive and doesn't involve radiation.
Who we care for
We have echocardiography services at both the Alfred and Sandringham.
What to expect
The test takes about 45 minutes to perform. You will need to remove the clothing from your top half so that we can put an ultrasound probe on your chest.
Commonly asked questions
No, an echocardiogram isn't painful. You will feel pressure on your chest from the ultrasound probe.
The result will be sent to the referring doctor(s) and can be discussed at your next appointment with them.
Depending on the reason for the test, we occasionally need to give an injection (not using dye however) to examine specific parts of the heart in more detail. If this is required, we would insert a small needle into an arm vein. This will be discussed with you at the time of the test, and is uncommon. The needle is removed at the end of the test.
What to bring
Every time you come
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed
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