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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 common type of echocardiogram performed on patients. It is non-invasive and performed with the ultrasound probe placed on your chest wall. This allows your heart doctor to have a detailed view of your heart to diagnose and evaluate the severity of heart conditions, monitor progress of treatment, identify causes of symptoms, and screen for possible cardiac issues.
Contrast Echocardiogram
In a Contrast Echocardiogram, a contrast agent is injected into your blood vessels before an Echocardiogram is conducted. The contrast agent shows up clearly on scans and can aid in providing a better visualisation of the heart.
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.
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.
If your test results come back normal, then no further testing may be required unless your doctor deems it necessary.
If your echocardiogram is abnormal, you may need a follow up consultation to determine if you need further testing and to decide the recommended course of treatment for your cardiac condition.
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.