Why is a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) important?

A heart ultrasound (echocardiography) is one of the most important non-invasive tests in cardiology. Using ultrasound waves, it shows the structure and function of the heart in detail and in real time. The test is completely painless and safe, uses no radiation and can be repeated as often as needed without any risk. It is performed by placing an ultrasound probe on the chest of the patient, who lies on their left side.

A heart ultrasound makes it possible to assess the size of the heart chambers, the thickness of the heart muscle and the strength of the heart's contraction (the ejection fraction). It is also important in assessing the function of the heart valves. This test is key in diagnosing conditions such as heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, valve disease and pericardial effusion, and in monitoring patients with long-standing hypertension or arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. A heart ultrasound can also detect previously unrecognised changes that are not visible on an ECG, and show whether the heart muscle has been damaged by a previous heart attack.

Echocardiography is also important in finding the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath, skipped heartbeats, fatigue, dizziness or fainting. It can be used to assess the blood pressure in the lungs, the function of the right side of the heart and the presence of structural abnormalities that require further investigation or treatment.

The test is short, usually 20–30 minutes, is well tolerated and needs no special preparation. The data obtained give the doctor a complete picture of the anatomy and function of the heart and are often key to making the diagnosis and choosing the optimal treatment approach.