Echocardiogram (Echo Scan)

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, more commonly known as an echo scan, is a type of ultrasound scan used to take a look at the heart and surrounding blood vessels.

A small probe is used to send out high-frequency sound waves that create an echo when they bounce off various parts of the body.

These echoes are then picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image on a monitor as the scan is being carried out.

When is an echocardiogram scan used?

An echo scan can help detect and monitor certain heart conditions by analysing the structure of the heart, surrounding blood vessels and how blood flows through them, and assessing the pumping chambers of the heart.

An echocardiogram can help detect conditions including, but not limited to:

• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Damage from a heart attack
• Congenital heart disease

It can also assist your consultant in deciding on the best treatment options for these conditions.

How is an echocardiogram carried out?

There are a number of ways in which an echo scan can be carried out, but the most common is a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). A TTE is an external form of ultrasound exam which is carried out while lying on the left side of the body.

In preparation for the exam, several sticky sensors (electrodes) are attached to the chest. These are then connected to a machine that monitors the rhythm of the heart during the test.

A lubricating gel is applied directly to the ultrasound probe or to the chest and moved across the chest. The probe is attached by a cable to a nearby machine that will display and record the images produced.

The whole procedure will usually take between 15 minutes to an hour and the images from the scan will usually need to be analysed afterwards meaning results will not be shared immediately.

Both One Ashford Hospital and One Hatfield Hospital offer cardiology services and have a dedicated team of cardiologists on hand to carry out echo scans and rapidly assess, diagnose and treat a range of conditions.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Echocardiogram (Echo Scan) treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.