An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the heart moving in real time — the chambers, the valves, and how well the muscle is pumping.

It is usually the first imaging test in cardiology because it answers a great many structural questions at once, without radiation and without injections. If your GP has heard a murmur, if you are more breathless than you used to be, or if there is a question about the size or function of the heart, this is generally where the assessment begins.

The scan is done with you lying on your side while a sonographer moves a probe across your chest. Ultrasound gel is used, which is cold but harmless. Nothing enters the body.

What to expect

You will be asked to undress to the waist and a gown is provided.
The scan usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
You can eat, drink and take your usual medications beforehand.
There is no radiation and no injection for a standard transthoracic study.