Echocardiogram at Chichester Hospital
- Overview
Or call us on
Find out what an echocardiogram (echo) involves, why you might need one, the different types, what happens during the scan, and possible risks
What happens during an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is painless and takes about 15-30 minutes. A technician may apply patches called electrodes to your chest or legs. These record your heart rate. A clear gel will be spread on your chest. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves to a probe. A probe is pressed onto your skin and moved it back and forth over the chest. The scan will appear on a monitor. The scan will show not only the structure of your heart, but also how your heart valves perform.
In some cases an echocardiogram may be done before and after your heart is stressed. You may be asked to exercise (such as walking on a treadmill) or medication may be used to make your heart beat faster.
Although ultrasound images can be very difficult to read and interpret, you are welcome to view the images during the scan. You may be asked to take deep breaths or to move into different positions to get different images.
Going home after echocardiography
An echocardiogram is usually performed in an outpatient area meaning you can go home shortly after the test is complete. In some cases the technician may talk to you about the results. The results will also be sent to your GP or consultant. Be sure and ask how long you should expect to wait for the results before you leave.
Please note:
Echocardiograms are only carried out at Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital by Dr Conrad Murphy.
Dr Tanner and Dr Child’s patients will have their echocardiograms carried out at a neighbouring NHS hospital.
FAQs
-
What's the difference between an echo and an ECG?
An echocardiogram looks at your heart's structure, such as its valves, and how well it's pumping. An ECG (electrocardiogram) instead records your heart's rhythm, rate and electrical activity. They're different tests that give your doctor different information.
-
Will I be awake during my echo?
For a standard transthoracic echo, yes, you'll be awake throughout. For a TOE, you'll be given a sedative beforehand, so you'll be drowsy rather than awake.
-
How long will the appointment take?
A standard scan usually takes somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour, though a TOE can take longer, up to around 90 minutes. You may also need to stay a little longer afterwards to be monitored.
-
Can I drive home afterwards?
Usually, yes, for most types of echo. The exception is if you've been sedated, such as for a TOE, in which case you'll need someone else to drive you and shouldn't drive yourself for 24 hours.
-
Does an echocardiogram use radiation?
No. An echocardiogram uses sound waves, not radiation, which is different from tests like X-rays and CT scans.
-
What can an echocardiogram diagnose?
It can help diagnose conditions such as heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy (a condition affecting your heart muscle), infections of the heart valves, or a bulge in a major blood vessel near your heart. Your doctor will explain what your particular result shows.
Echocardiogram consultants at Chichester Hospital
78 Broyle Road, Chichester, PO19 6WB
By car: our hospital is conveniently located on the northern side of Chichester on the A286, just up from the Chichester Festival Theatre, with free parking available. By public transport: the nearest train station is Chichester which is a 30-minute walk or alternatively 5mins in a taxi. By Bus: The Stagecoach No. 60 bus which serves Chichester and Midhurst, is a few minutes’ walk away from the hospital.
Ways to pay
Nuffield Health promise
Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.
Paying for yourself
There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.
Find out morePersonal medical loan
Spread the cost of your treatment with a 10, 12 or 24 month 0% personal medical loan.
Find out moreMedical insurance
We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly.
Find out more