Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)
Comprehensive heart ultrasound to assess heart function, valves and structure — safe, non-invasive echocardiography in Sydney.
What is It?
An echocardiogram is a safe, non-invasive ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses sound waves to create real-time, moving images of your heart’s structure, valves and pumping function, allowing your cardiologist to see how well your heart is working and how blood flows through its chambers.
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists perform and interpret echocardiograms with expert precision, making this one of the most important diagnostic tools in our practice.
Why is It Performed?
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists may recommend an echocardiogram to:
- Assess heart pumping strength and overall cardiac function
- Evaluate heart valves for narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation)
- Investigate symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations or swelling
- Monitor known heart conditions over time
- Assess heart failure or cardiomyopathy
- Detect congenital (present from birth) heart abnormalities
The echocardiogram is one of the most widely used and clinically valuable tests in modern cardiology.
What Does the Test Involve?
You will lie comfortably on an examination bed while a trained sonographer places a small ultrasound probe on your chest. A clear gel is applied to the skin to improve image quality.
The probe is gently moved over different areas of your chest to obtain images from multiple angles. You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath during the scan. The test is painless and usually takes 30–45 minutes.
After the examination, you can return to your normal activities immediately.
What are the Benefits?
- Detailed, real-time assessment of heart structure and function
- Comprehensive evaluation of heart valve performance
- No radiation exposure and no injections required
- Safe for all ages, including during pregnancy
- Essential for accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of many heart conditions