An ultrasound scan is the use of high frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. A transducer (or probe) is pressed onto the skin and moved around in order to acquire the images of the inside of your body.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It is sometimes just called an ‘echo’. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to view internal structures of the body.
An echocardiogram will enable the anatomy and the functionality of the heart to be visualised and will allow the cardiac physiologist to view the heart muscle, chambers and other internal structures such as the valves.
Are there any risks?
No, there are no known risks, so it is considered to be a very safe examination.