What it is
An ultrasound probe placed on the chest produces moving images of the heart; Doppler measures the speed and direction of blood flow within the chambers and across the valves.
What it is used for
It measures the size and pumping strength of the ventricles, including the ejection fraction, and assesses the valves, the pericardium and estimated pulmonary pressure. It is indicated for heart murmurs, breathlessness, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, after a heart attack and to monitor valve disease. In the metabolic programme it is also used to measure epicardial fat.
How it is performed
The patient lies on the left side with the chest uncovered. The doctor places the probe with gel in several positions and may ask the patient to hold their breath for a few seconds. The test is painless.
Preparation
- No preparation: you can eat normally and take your usual medicines.
- Bring previous cardiology tests and reports.
Report
The report is written by the doctor who performs the test.
Frequently asked questions
Is it painful or does it use radiation?
No: it is an ultrasound scan, with no radiation and no pain.
How does it differ from transoesophageal echocardiography?
Transoesophageal echocardiography uses a probe passed into the oesophagus to obtain more detailed images; it is performed in hospital in selected cases.
Can it be done at home?
At home an assessment is carried out with a portable scanner; the full examination is scheduled at the practice.