ECG Echocardiogram

General

An Echocardiogram:

• is performed by a qualified Sonographer
• generally takes 30-60 minutes
• is conducted at a Medical Clinic or Hospital

Procedure

An Echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves that are sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen.

This test is done to:

• Look for the cause of abnormal heart sounds (murmurs or clicks), an enlarged heart, unexplained chest pains, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats.
• Check the thickness and movement of the heart wall.
• Look at the heart valves and check how well they work.
• See how well an artificial heart valve is working.
• Measure the size and shape of the heart's chambers.
• Check the ability of your heart chambers to pump blood (cardiac performance). During an echocardiogram, your doctor can calculate the how much blood your heart is pumping during each heartbeat (ejection fraction). You might have a low ejection fraction if you have heart failure.
• Detect a disease that affects the heart muscle and the way it pumps, such as cardiomyopathy.
• Look for blood clots and tumors inside the heart.

Applicants who have been asked to have this particular test are either applying for a larger sum of insurance (more commonly) or, have disclosed a pre-existing condition relating to the heart.

Preparation

There is no particular preparation required by the applicant prior to this test.