A heart ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram, is one of the most common and useful tests used to assess heart health. Many patients are referred for this scan after experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, or fatigue. Others have it as part of routine monitoring for an existing heart condition. As someone who works closely with cardiology patients, I often find that understanding what a heart ultrasound shows helps people feel more informed and reassured about the test and its results.
What Is a Heart Ultrasound?
A heart ultrasound uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not involve radiation. The test is safe, painless, and non invasive. A small handheld device called a probe is placed on the chest, and it sends sound waves into the body. These waves bounce back from the heart structures and are converted into images on a screen. This allows doctors to see how the heart looks and how well it is working in real time.
Why Might You Need a Heart Ultrasound?
A heart ultrasound is requested for many reasons. It can help investigate symptoms, monitor known heart conditions, or provide reassurance when other tests raise questions. It is often used to assess breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, or swelling in the legs. It is also useful for monitoring conditions such as high blood pressure, heart valve disease, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy. In some cases, it forms part of a routine heart check when there is a strong family history of heart disease.
What Does a Heart Ultrasound Show About Heart Structure?
One of the main purposes of a heart ultrasound is to look at the structure of the heart. The scan shows the size and shape of the heart chambers and how thick the heart muscle is. This helps identify whether the heart has become enlarged or whether the muscle walls are thicker than normal. Changes in heart structure can develop over time due to high blood pressure, heart valve problems, or inherited conditions. Identifying these changes early helps guide treatment and monitoring.
How Does a Heart Ultrasound Assess Heart Function?
A heart ultrasound shows how effectively the heart is pumping blood around the body. It measures how well the heart muscle contracts and relaxes with each heartbeat. One key measurement is how much blood the heart pumps out with each beat, often referred to as pumping function. Reduced pumping ability can explain symptoms such as fatigue or breathlessness and may indicate heart failure or previous heart muscle damage. Normal pumping function, on the other hand, can be very reassuring.
What Can a Heart Ultrasound Show About Heart Valves?
Heart valves control the flow of blood through the heart. A heart ultrasound allows doctors to see whether these valves are opening and closing properly. It can identify valves that are narrowed, stiff, or leaking. Valve problems may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or swelling. Some valve issues are mild and only need monitoring, while others may require medication or further intervention. The ultrasound helps determine the severity and guide next steps.
Can a Heart Ultrasound Detect Heart Failure?
A heart ultrasound is one of the most important tests used to assess heart failure. It shows how well the heart muscle pumps and whether the heart relaxes properly between beats. Heart failure does not always mean the heart has stopped working. It means the heart is not pumping or filling as effectively as it should. The scan helps identify the type and severity of heart failure, which allows treatment to be tailored to the individual.
What Does a Heart Ultrasound Show About Heart Rhythm Problems?
While a heart ultrasound does not directly record the heart’s electrical rhythm, it provides useful information in people with rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. It can show whether the heart chambers are enlarged or whether there are structural changes that may contribute to irregular rhythms. It also helps assess stroke risk by identifying areas where blood flow may be sluggish. This information supports decisions about medication and long term management.
What Are the Different Types of Heart Ultrasound?
There are a few types of heart ultrasound, depending on what information is needed.
• Transthoracic echocardiogram: the standard scan performed on the chest wall.
• Stress echocardiogram: carried out before and after exercise or medication to assess blood flow under stress.
• Transoesophageal echocardiogram: a more detailed scan performed via the food pipe in selected cases.
Most people only need the standard transthoracic scan, which provides a large amount of useful information.
What Happens During the Test?
During a heart ultrasound, you will lie on a couch, usually on your left side. A small amount of gel is applied to the chest to help the probe make good contact with the skin. The Sonographer or doctor moves the probe across different areas of the chest to capture images from various angles. You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath. The test usually takes between twenty and forty minutes and is not painful.
Do You Need to Prepare for a Heart Ultrasound?
In most cases, no special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications unless you are told otherwise. It is helpful to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the chest. If you are having a stress echocardiogram or a specialised scan, you may be given specific instructions in advance.
What Happens After the Scan?
After the scan, the images are reviewed and interpreted by a cardiology specialist. The results help explain symptoms, confirm or rule out diagnoses, and guide treatment decisions. Some people receive reassurance that their heart structure and function are normal. Others may need medication, lifestyle advice, or further tests depending on the findings. Your doctor will explain the results clearly and discuss what they mean for your heart health.
Are There Any Risks?
A standard heart ultrasound is very safe and carries no known risks. It does not involve radiation and can be repeated if needed. More specialised scans may involve mild discomfort or sedation, but these are only used when necessary and are carefully monitored.
When Should You Speak to a Doctor About a Heart Ultrasound?
You should speak to a doctor if you have symptoms such as unexplained breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or swelling in the legs. If you have a known heart condition, regular heart ultrasounds may be part of ongoing monitoring. Abnormal findings on other tests can also prompt referral for an ultrasound. Early assessment often leads to clearer answers and more effective treatment.
Conclusion
A heart ultrasound provides valuable information about the structure and function of the heart. It helps diagnose heart conditions, monitor existing problems, and offer reassurance when results are normal. If you have been advised to have a heart ultrasound or want to understand whether this test is right for you, you can always contact us here. At our clinic, we focus on clear explanations, careful assessment, and personalised care to support your long term heart health. You can also book in using our telephone line here, call us on 0208 255 5999.
