Echocardiogram Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.
Answers to questions about echocardiogram
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How will the doctor know if there is a problem with my heart?
- What will happen after I get the results of my echocardiogram?
- Why do I need a fetal echocardiogram?
How will the doctor know if there is a problem with my heart?
An echocardiogram is usually able to produce very detailed pictures of the structures inside your heart, allowing your doctor to identify if there are any problems.
Explanation
The echocardiogram can be used to assess the size, thickness and function of the left ventricle - one of the lower chambers of the heart, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood around the body. Looking at the size and functioning of the left ventricle can allow doctors to see whether there is a problem with your heart's pumping ability.
Echocardiograms can also uncover problems with your heart valves - structures that help to control the way blood flows through the heart. Doctors will look at the shape of the valves, how they are moving and whether they are calcified (have a build up of calcium deposits), in order to see whether you have a heart valve disease. By measuring how fast your blood is flowing, your doctor will be able to assess narrowing and leakage of your heart valves.
Other abnormalities in the structure of your heart can also be picked up on an echocardiogram, such as abnormalities on the right side of the heart, raised pressure in the lungs and enlargement of the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
Sources
- Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005:1320-1323
- Kumar P, Clark M. Echocardiography, in Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. London: Elsevier, 2005:749-755
What will happen after I get the results of my echocardiogram?
Your doctor will advise you on the most appropriate course of action, based on the results of your echocardiogram together with any other tests you have had done.
Explanation
An echocardiogram is just one test that doctors use to assess how your heart is functioning. Other tests you are likely to have in addition to your echocardiogram include an electrocardiogram (ECG), a chest X-ray and blood and urine tests.
Your doctor may diagnose a problem with your heart using the results of all these tests. However, your echocardiogram may also rule out a problem with your heart, or you may need further tests before a diagnosis can be made. If tests do show up a problem with your heart, your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. Depending on the problem identified, you may be advised to take medicine for your condition or to have surgery. See our factsheets on heart health for further information.
Why do I need a fetal echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram is used to get a very detailed picture of your baby's heart, before your baby is born. It is used to check whether your developing baby has a heart defect.
Explanation
You will be referred for a fetal echocardiogram if your obstetrician (the doctor who cares for you during pregnancy and childbirth) thinks there is a risk of your baby having a heart defect. This may be because you have a family history of congenital heart disease, because an abnormality has been detected during a routine ultrasound scan or because there are other problems with the development of your baby.
If there's a problem with your baby's heart, it's often first noticed when you have your routine 20-week ultrasound scan. However, doctors get quite a limited view of your baby's heart from a routine ultrasound; a fetal echocardiogram is much more detailed.
A fetal echocardiogram can show up abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart and problems with the heart rhythm. However, some heart problems can't be detected until your baby is born.
It can be a worrying time if you have been told you need a fetal echocardiogram. However, the best advice is to wait until the echocardiogram is done and you can discuss the results with a specialist - in some cases, the doctor will be able to reassure you that there is no problem.
Further information
- Tiny Tickers
www.tinytickers.org
Sources
- Fetal echocardiography. American Heart Association. www.americanheart.org, accessed 30 January 2008
- Screening in pregnancy. Tiny Tickers. www.tinytickers.org, accessed 30 January 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: March 2009
Echocardiogram factsheet
Visit the echocardiogram health factsheet for more information.
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