Echocardiogram
Information for patients coming to the Cardiology Diagnostics Department
This leaflet will explain the following.
What an echocardiogram is.
Why you have been referred for this test.
Whether you need to prepare for the test.
What will happen before and during the test.
Whether there are any risks.
What you can do after your test.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a scan that uses ultrasound (soundwaves) to produce pictures of your heart. The test should not be painful, but some patients may find the scan uncomfortable.
Why have I been referred for this treatment?
An echocardiogram gives your doctor (GP or hospital consultant) information about:
how well your heart pumps; and
whether your heart valves are working properly.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?
No. You do not need to prepare for your test. You can eat and drink as normal before and after your test.
Where will the scan be done?
An echocardiogram is done as an outpatient procedure. An outpatient procedure is where you come to hospital on the day of your test and go home straight afterwards.
The test will be done at one of the following hospitals.
Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate.
William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.
What will happen when I arrive at the hospital?
Your appointment letter will tell you where to go for your test.
When you arrive at the department, we will take you to the echocardiography room. The room will be darkened for your procedure, to allow us to see your ultrasound images clearly.
We will explain what will happen during your test. Please use this time to ask them any questions or raise concerns. Please note you have the right to withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
In the room we will ask you to go behind a screen or curtain. We will ask you to undress to your waist and put a gown on that will be open at the front.
We will ask you to lie on a couch, on your left-hand side if possible.
You may bring a friend or relative to stay with you during your test, or the hospital may provide a chaperone. Please phone the Cardiology Department before your appointment if you would like a chaperone, so we can make sure someone is available at your appointment time.
Once you are lying down, stickers will be put on your shoulders and chest, and connected to the machine. We will use these to monitor your heart rate during your test.
An ultrasound probe covered with a small amount of water-based gel is placed on:
the centre of your chest;
beneath your left breast;
at the base of your sternum (chest bone); and
at the base of your neck.
This provides us with images of your heart from lots of angles. The images are recorded.
During your echocardiogram you may hear sounds coming from the machine. The sounds are blood flowing through your heart. Do not be concerned if you do not hear this, sometimes the volume on the machine is turned off.
The test can take up to 30 or 40 minutes, but may be quicker.
Who will perform my procedure?
The test is usually performed by a cardiac physiologist or cardiac scientist.
It is possible that a trainee scientist or doctor may be in the room as well. You will be asked if you are happy for the trainee to be present when you enter the room.
Are there any risks to having an echocardiogram?
There are no risks involved in this procedure.
How will I feel after my procedure?
Once the echocardiogram is completed you can get dressed and leave the hospital. The scan does not stop you from doing any of your normal activities, for example going back to work or driving.
When and how will I get my results?
The cardiac scientist will write a report, normally on the same day as your test. The results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you either at a clinic appointment, on the phone, or by letter.
Further information
East Kent Hospitals are smoke free sites. Quitting smoking is the best thing any patient who smokes can do to improve their surgical outcomes and future health. For free friendly support and medication to help you stop smoking, contact One You Kent.
One You Kent
Telephone: 0300 123 1220
Email
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Contact details
If you have any questions about your echocardiogram, please contact the Cardiology Diagnostics Department on 01227 206680, and select option 2.
Ask 3 Questions
There may be choices to make about your healthcare. Before making any decisions, make sure you get the answers to these three questions:
What are my choices?
What is good and bad about each choice?
How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?
Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.
What do you think of this leaflet?
We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.
If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.
If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.
Patient Voice Team
Telephone: 01227 868605
Email