Imaging

Echocardiography (2D/3D)

A safe ultrasound test that shows your heart pumping in real time.

Modern echocardiography machine with 3D heart image — Echocardiography is safe, painless, and uses no radiation.

What it is

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows how well the heart muscle is pumping, how the valves are working, and whether any structural problem is present. It uses sound waves — no radiation, completely safe.

When it's needed

Breathlessness or fatigue
Heart murmur
After a heart attack
Following blood pressure or rhythm problems
Routine assessment before cardiac surgery

How it's done

Sonographer scanning patient's chest with echo probe — A small probe with gel images the heart's valves and chambers.

A small probe with gel is moved over the chest. You may be asked to lie on your left side. The test takes 20–30 minutes. 3D echo gives even more detail of valves and chambers.