Everything You Need to Know
The heart is an intricate organ, and understanding its health and functionality is essential for diagnosing and managing heart conditions effectively. An echocardiogram provides us with a dynamic, real-time image of the heart, offering insights into the size and shape of the heart, the pumping capacity, and the location and extent of any tissue damage.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate a heart condition, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue, or if you have a history of heart disease, an echocardiogram can be a key step in your diagnostic journey. It is a painless, risk-free procedure that can provide critical information about your heart’s health.
Before the Echocardiogram
Your journey begins with a consultation with one of our esteemed cardiologists. During this visit, we’ll discuss your medical history, any symptoms you’re experiencing, and what you can expect from the echocardiogram. This personalised approach ensures that we understand your unique needs and concerns from the outset.
Preparing for your echocardiogram is straightforward. There are no special diets or preparations required, but you may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure to provide easy access to your chest area.
During the Echocardiogram
Undergoing an echocardiogram at St John & Elizabeth Hospital is a comfortable and stress-free experience. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
Arrival and Preparation
Upon your arrival, our friendly staff will guide you through the initial steps, ensuring that you’re comfortable and ready for the procedure.
The Procedure
You will lie on an echo couch or bed, preferably on your left side, and a small amount of gel will be applied to your chest. This gel helps the ultrasound transducer make secure contact with the skin. The transducer is then moved over your chest to capture images of your heart. The procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes.
During the Test
You might be asked to change positions or hold your breath briefly to get better images. The test is painless, there might be some firm pressure applied to your chest to obtain certain images.
After the Echocardiogram
Once the echocardiogram is complete, our cardiology team will analyse the images to assess your heart’s health and write a full report. Your referring doctor will discuss the results with you, explaining what we’ve found and what it means for your care moving forward. Whether further tests, treatment, or simply routine monitoring is recommended, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
Appointment and Consultation
Embarking on your echocardiogram journey with St John & Elizabeth Hospital is streamlined and patient centric.
Initial Consultation
Meeting with our cardiologist is the first step, where we’ll evaluate your needs and discuss the benefits of an echocardiogram for your specific situation.
Scheduling Your Echocardiogram
Once you’ve decided to proceed, we’ll schedule your echocardiogram at a time that’s convenient for you, providing all the information you need to prepare.
Understanding Your Results
After your echocardiogram, we’ll have a follow-up consultation to discuss the findings and outline the next steps in your care pathway.
Top Tips
Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy heart.
A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, supports heart health.
Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can have a positive impact on your heart.
Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other key indicators of heart health.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.