Echocardiography
Westmead Private Cardiology offer
the Echocardiography services in clinic:
What is an Echocardiogram?
An Echocardiogram or Cardiac ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to evaluate your heart. This is done by obtaining two dimensional and Doppler (blood flow) images with an ultrasound device. Ultrasound waves are sent into the chest using a probe, with ultrasound gel, that is moved over various angles. The sound waves are transformed into pictures, which allow evaluation of the:
Structure
Normal cardiac chambers and valves and abnormalities such as blood clot, tumour, holes in the walls
Size
The thickness of the heart muscle and the size of the pumping chambers or the blood vessels
Heart function
namely strength of contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle
Valves
if your valves leak or if they are narrowed
Are there any risks to this procedure?
The high frequency sound waves used for the echocardiogram are not known to cause any adverse bioeffects. Echocardiography is a safe and painless procedure.
Are there any limitations to an echocardiogram?
Sound waves quickly lose their ability to penetrate with increasing distance. If you are overweight, have significant lung disease or breast implants, it may be difficult to get good images of the heart.
Are there any limitations to an echocardiogram?
Sound waves quickly lose their ability to penetrate with increasing distance. If you are overweight, have significant lung disease or breast implants, it may be difficult to get good images of the heart.
Why do you need an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram may help evaluate:
- Unexplained chest or upper arm pain
- Heart attack
- Heart murmur and the progress of valvular disease
- Structural heart defects
- Shortness of breath
- Presence of many types of heart disease
- To monitor effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments
- To monitor deleterious effects of medications e.g. chemotherapy
How to prepare?
- Wear a shirt that can be easily removed. We will have a gown for you to wear.
- Women will remove shirt and bra.
- No special eating instructions.
How long is the test?
The test will take approximately 45 minutes.
When will you get your results?
Your doctor will discuss your results with you after your test is complete.
If you have any questions about your test or instructions, please call us on 02 9687 0866.
Referring Doctors
For referring doctors, please download
and complete our referral form
For urgent referrals, please call us
in clinic on 02 9687 0866