Echocardiogram and stress echocardiogram in Perth

An echocardiogram, often called an echo, is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A sonographer or cardiologist moves a small probe over your chest, and sound waves create moving pictures of the heart on a screen. There is no radiation and no injection for a standard echo. eCardiology performs echocardiograms and stress echocardiograms at all six of its sites in Perth and regional Western Australia.

What an echocardiogram shows

The scan shows the size of the heart chambers, how strongly the heart muscle pumps, whether the heart valves open and close properly and whether any leak or narrow, and the pressures inside the heart and any fluid around it.

What a stress echocardiogram is

A stress echocardiogram adds exercise. Pictures are taken at rest and again straight after you exercise on a treadmill or an exercise bike, depending on the location. Comparing the two sets of images shows whether part of the heart muscle gets less blood when it is working hard, which can be a sign of narrowed arteries.

Why a cardiologist orders an echocardiogram

Common reasons include a heart murmur heard by your GP; breathlessness, swollen ankles or tiredness that could be due to the heart; checking the heart after a heart attack or during treatment with certain medicines; known valve disease or heart failure that needs regular monitoring; and an abnormal ECG. A stress echo is usually ordered to investigate chest pain or breathlessness on exertion, or to check the heart before surgery.

What happens on the day

Standard echo: you undress to the waist and lie on your left side. Stickers are placed on your chest to record the heart rhythm. Gel is put on the probe, which is pressed gently against the chest in several positions. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly. The scan takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Stress echo: the resting pictures are taken first. You then walk on a treadmill that gets faster and steeper every few minutes, or pedal a bike, while your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG are monitored. When you reach your target heart rate, or need to stop, you lie down quickly so pictures can be taken while the heart is still working hard. Allow about an hour.

How to prepare

Wear comfortable clothes. For a stress echo, wear walking shoes and clothes you can exercise in. Take your usual medicines unless your cardiologist has asked you to stop a particular one before the test. You may be asked to avoid a heavy meal and caffeine for a few hours before a stress echo. Follow the instructions given when your test is booked.

Risks and limitations

A standard echo has no known risks. The probe pressure can be a little uncomfortable over the ribs. A stress echo involves exercise, and a small number of people experience chest pain, an abnormal rhythm or a drop in blood pressure during the test. You are monitored throughout and the test can be stopped at any time. Image quality can be limited in people with lung disease, a larger body size or previous chest surgery. If the pictures are not clear enough, another test such as a CT coronary angiogram may be suggested.

Results and follow-up

The scan is reported by a cardiologist. Dr Justin Teng completed a fellowship in non-invasive cardiac imaging at MonashHEART in Melbourne, with training in advanced echocardiography techniques including stress echocardiography, strain imaging and 3D echo. Results go to your referring doctor and are discussed with you at a follow-up appointment, in person or by Telehealth.

Referral and booking

A referral from your GP or another doctor is needed. Echocardiograms are done at all six eCardiology locations: Perth CBD, Joondalup, Mandurah, Albany, Canning Vale and Midland. To book, call (08) 9468 5578 or use the Request an appointment page.

Frequently asked questions

Is an echocardiogram the same as an ECG?

No. An ECG records the heart's electrical activity and takes a few minutes. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound that shows the heart's structure and pumping, and takes around half an hour.

Will I need someone to drive me?

No. There is no sedation, and you can go straight back to normal activities after either test.

Can I have an echo if I am pregnant?

Yes. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is used in pregnancy when the heart needs to be checked.

How often should an echo be repeated?

It depends on the condition being monitored. Your cardiologist will set the interval.