38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart which provides a clear image of your heart structure, heart strength and wall movements, and the surrounding blood vessels. It is a powerful tool to help diagnose and assess certain heart conditions.
There are several different types of Echocardiogram that can be done in Singapore which can be used depending on the type of information required and the level of detail needed.
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) is the most commonly performed non-invasive heart ultrasound in Singapore. It involves placing an ultrasound probe on the chest wall to obtain moving images of your heart. This type of echocardiogram helps your doctor assess heart function, measure chamber size, monitor heart rhythm, and identify valve-related issues or other structural concerns.
The scan typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually recommended as a first-line heart imaging test. A Transthoracic Echocardiogram can be used for initial diagnosis, regular follow-up of known conditions, or as part of a routine heart health check-up. It does not involve radiation and does not require any incisions, making it a straightforward and commonly used tool in cardiology.
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram may also be used together with contrast agents if better visual clarity is required. In such cases, a small amount of contrast is introduced into the bloodstream to enhance image quality.
In a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), a probe is passed through your oesophagus or food pipe to better visualise your heart. A TEE can provide a more detailed view of the heart as compared to a TTE and can be useful in emergency and critical care, when checking for blood clots, or certain cardiac conditions.
Echocardiograms are conducted for several reasons.
Before beginning a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE), you will be asked to remove your upper body clothing. Electrodes will then be attached to your chest to monitor your heart rhythm.
Ultrasound gel is then applied to the probe to help sound waves pass through to visualise your heart. You will be asked to lie on your left side as the probe is moved across your cardiac area. The ultrasound probe will be attached to a computer that displays and records the visualisations produced during the cardiac ultrasound.
During the process, you might hear swishing noises which indicate that your blood flow and heart motions are being picked up by the probe. Throughout the echocardiogram test you may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds or move into different positions as required for better imaging. Get consultation by Dr. Leslie Tay, our heart specialist based in Singapore.
The cost of an echocardiogram in Singapore can range from approximately SGD $200 to $500, depending on where the test is done and the type of echocardiogram performed.
In public healthcare settings, fees may be lower but often come with longer waiting times.
In private clinics, patients benefit from quicker access, personalised attention, and continuity of care with their cardiologist.
The cost may vary depending on whether you undergo a standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram, a Contrast Echocardiogram, or a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE). Some patients may be eligible to claim under insurance plans, Medisave, or cardiology screening packages. For those seeking timely and coordinated care, private one-stop cardiology clinics offer an efficient and comfortable environment for testing and consultation.
If you present with symptoms of heart disease like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or palpitation, your doctor might order an Echocardiogram to investigate the possibility of cardiac issues. This might be especially useful if you are at risk of heart disease due to lifestyle or genetic factors.
Echocardiograms can also be conducted as part of heart health screenings. These can be in the form of regular checkups for patients or as part of pre-activity screenings for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and at-risk occupations like skydiving or scuba diving instructors.
An Echocardiogram is used to look at your heart’s structure and function. It can detect the following conditions:
• Damaged heart muscle
• Congenital heart abnormalities
• Weakened or damaged heart valves
• Heart valve problems
• Issues with pumping strength and volume
A standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram should take anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish.
For other kinds of Echocardiogram tests, it might take a little longer depending on the type of test conducted.
Standard Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE) are safe and painless procedures.
For Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), there can be discomfort when the probe is passed through your oesophagus or food pipe, although you will be sedated and your throat will be numbed prior to the procedure.
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram is used to assess how well your heart is functioning. It can help identify several conditions, including:
• Structural abnormalities in the heart chambers or valves
• Issues with pumping function (ejection fraction)
• Wall motion irregularities, which may indicate prior heart damage
• Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
• Clues that may point to heart failure or underlying cardiac conditions
While it is not designed to directly detect blockages in the arteries, findings from the scan can prompt further tests such as a stress test or coronary angiogram if needed.
We provide a range of Specialist Cardiovascular services
In order to maximize the interaction between you and your cardiologist at your next visit, it is best to come prepared. There are materials you should bring with you and ways you should prepare for your appointment.
Always bring a list of your current medications. A list detailing your current medications (including name, dose, and frequency of use) is an invaluable resource for your cardiologist.
Carry a list of your health care providers including name, address, telephone number, and condition being followed. This will help ensure that communication between your cardiologist and all of your other care providers is complete.
Compile a list of your past health history. Important to include are any surgical procedures (with at least approximate dates), a list of any major prior or ongoing illnesses/health issues, and a list of any major tests, especially if performed within the last year. Knowing past health events can help the physician make a diagnosis or prescribe the best course of treatment.
Compile a family health history of close blood relatives. From a cardiology perspective, what you are especially interested in finding out is whether any of your relatives have been diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or aneurysm. A family history of health events can provide clues as to what illnesses/conditions you may be at risk for developing.
If you have them, bring in copies of any recent lab results and any other test results from the past year, especially if the testing took place with a different health care provider. This will help avoid duplicating tests unnecessarily. Quality care begins with good communication and a good cardiologist will take time to listen to the patient and to suggest the best possible treatment option.
A second opinion from an experienced cardiologist involves a thorough review of your medical history and test results, as well as a reassessment of your overall diagnosis.
A 12-lead Electrocardiogram is a medical diagnostic test that uses lead or electrodes attached to the body to capture the electrical activity of the heart.
An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart which provides a clear image of your heart structure, heart strength and wall movements, and the surrounding blood vessels. It is a powerful tool to help diagnose and assess certain heart conditions.
A cardiac stress test can reveal how your heart performs when it is under stress. Some issues only surface when your heart rate increases, and therefore cardiac stress testing can reveal hidden heart problems.
