Echocardiogram Services at Ultrasound Ireland

Get Your Heart Screened Quickly with Our Expert Echocardiogram Scans

At Ultrasound Ireland, we provide prompt access to specialist Echocardiogram (Echo) scanning services. An Echocardiogram is a detailed ultrasound examination of your heart, offering clear images of its chambers, valves, and walls.

We are committed to offering  a high quality and private Echo examinations that are  reported by our expert Consultant Cardiologists, with results typically available within three working days.

 

Scheduled your Echocardiogram Today: 01 210 0232 / Contact

 

Understanding Your Echocardiogram (Echo)

What is an Echocardiogram?

An Echocardiogram, often called an “Echo,” is a safe and painless ultrasound test that focuses specifically on your heart. It uses a small, handheld device called a probe, which sends out high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off the different parts of your heart, creating echoes. A computer then converts these echoes into moving, real-time images displayed on a screen. This allows our specialists to thoroughly assess your heart’s structure and how well it’s functioning.

 

Why Might I Need an Echocardiogram?

Your doctor might recommend an Echocardiogram if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Swelling in the legs

 

Echocardiograms are invaluable for diagnosing and managing a wide variety of heart conditions. They provide crucial information about:

• Heart Anatomy: The size and shape of your heart.
• Pumping Function: How well your heart is pumping blood.
• Heart Valves: The condition and function of your heart valves.
• Blood Flow: The movement of blood through your heart.

 

This scan is vital for identifying conditions such as:

• Damage from a previous heart attack
• Heart failure (where the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should)
• Congenital heart defects (heart problems present from birth)
• Heart valve disorders (e.g., leaky or narrowed valves)
• Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle)
• Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining or valves)

 

The detailed insights from an Echocardiogram help your doctor to develop the most effective treatment plan for you.

 

Your Echocardiogram Appointment: What to Expect

 

The Procedure: Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

The most common type of Echocardiogram, and the one we perform at Ultrasound Ireland, is called a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE). Here’s what typically happens:

1. Preparation: You’ll usually be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear.
2. Electrodes: Small, sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your chest. These are connected to a machine that monitors your heart’s rhythm (ECG) during the scan.
3. Gel Application: A special, water-based gel will be applied to your chest. This gel helps the sound waves travel from the probe to your heart and ensures the probe glides smoothly over your skin.
4. The Scan: You will lie on an examination couch, usually on your back or left side. The sonographer will gently press the ultrasound probe against your chest and move it to different positions to get clear views of your heart. You might be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly at times.
5. Duration: The entire procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Afterwards: Once the scan is complete, the gel will be wiped off, and you can get dressed. You can usually go home or back to your normal activities straight away.

 

Is it Safe and Comfortable?

• Safety: Standard Echocardiograms (TTE) are very safe and do not use any radiation. They are considered a non-invasive procedure.
• Comfort: The TTE procedure is generally painless. You might feel slight pressure from the probe on your chest. Some people find the gel a bit cold, or experience minor discomfort when the electrodes are removed, similar to taking off a plaster.

 

(For informational purposes, other types of echocardiograms exist, such as Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TOE) which involve a probe passed down the throat, Stress Echocardiograms performed during exercise, and Contrast Echocardiograms using an injectable dye. However, at Ultrasound Ireland, we specialize in Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE).)

 

Preparing for Your Echocardiogram

No special preparation is usually needed for a standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE). You can eat and drink normally beforehand and take your usual medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.

 

Your Results

While the sonographer performing the scan can see the images in real-time, the full analysis and formal report are completed by one of our Consultant Cardiologists. This comprehensive report will then be sent to your referring doctor, typically within three working days. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your health and any next steps or treatment that may be required.

If the Echocardiogram is normal, no further action may be needed. If any abnormalities are found, your doctor will guide you on the best course of action.

 

Schedule Your Echocardiogram Today

Ready to book your heart screening? Contact us to schedule your Echocardiogram:

• Call: 01 210 0232
• Online: Contact us here

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Echocardiogram

Q: What exactly is an echocardiogram? A: An echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a non-invasive ultrasound scan that creates moving pictures of your heart. It allows doctors to see how well your heart muscle and valves are working and helps to detect a variety of heart conditions.

 

Q: Why might my doctor recommend an echocardiogram? A: Your doctor may suggest an echo if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat. It’s used to help diagnose conditions such as heart valve problems, heart failure, damage from a heart attack, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, and endocarditis.

 

Q: What type of echocardiogram do you perform at Ultrasound Ireland? A: We perform Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE), which is the most common and standard type. This involves placing a probe on your chest.

 

Q: What happens during a standard echocardiogram (TTE)? A: You’ll lie on an examination couch. A special gel is applied to your chest, and a small probe is moved around the area to capture images of your heart. Sticky sensors (electrodes) may also be used to monitor your heart rhythm. The procedure is painless and usually takes 30-60 minutes.

 

Q: Do I need to do anything special to prepare for the test? A: No special preparation is needed for a TTE. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual.

 

Q: Is the test safe? A: Yes, a standard echocardiogram (TTE) is a very safe and painless procedure. It does not involve any radiation, and serious risks are extremely rare.

 

Q: When will I get my results? A: Our Consultant Cardiologists will analyze your scan and send a full report to your referring doctor, usually within three working days. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you.

 

Q: Will I need more tests after the echocardiogram? A: This depends on your results. If the echo shows everything is normal, you might not need further tests. If any issues are identified, your doctor will advise on the next steps or potential treatments.

 

Scheduled your Echocardiogram Today: 01 210 0232 / Contact