ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, ECHO (COMING SOON 2026)

ECHOCARDIOGRAM (Heart Ultrasound Test)

Q1: What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a safe, painless test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create moving pictures of your heart. It shows how well your heart chambers and valves are working and helps doctors see the heart’s size, shape, and pumping strength.

Q2: Why is an echocardiogram done?

Your doctor may recommend an echo to:

Check for heart valve problems (leakage or narrowing).

Assess the pumping strength of the heart.

Detect heart failure, enlargement, or congenital heart defects.

Look for fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) or signs of infection.

Evaluate the heart after a heart attack or high blood pressure.

Q3: How is the test done?

During a standard (transthoracic) echocardiogram:

You lie on a bed while a cardiac sonographer places gel on your chest.

A small device called a transducer is moved over your chest—it sends sound waves that bounce off your heart.

A computer turns these echoes into moving images displayed on a monitor.

The test usually takes 20–40 minutes.

You can breathe normally, and it is completely non-invasive.

Q4: Who performs the echocardiogram?

It is usually performed by a trained cardiac sonographer or radiographer, and the images are interpreted by a cardiologist or trained doctor who specializes in heart disease.

Q5: Are there different types of echocardiograms?

Yes. Depending on your condition, your doctor may request:

Transthoracic Echo (TTE): Standard test done on the chest surface.

Transesophageal Echo (TEE): A small probe is passed down the throat to get clearer heart images (usually done under mild sedation).

Stress Echocardiogram: Images taken before and after exercise or medication to see how your heart works under stress.

Doppler Echo: Measures the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart and valves.

Q6: What information can the doctor get from the test?

An echocardiogram helps the doctor assess:

• Heart size and thickness of chambers.
• Pumping strength (Ejection Fraction).
• Valve movement and leakage.
• Presence of clots, tumors, or infections.
• Pressure in heart and lungs.

Q7: Is the echocardiogram painful or risky?

No. A standard echo is painless and safe. It does not use X-rays or radiation.

You might feel mild pressure from the probe on your chest, or slight discomfort if the gel feels cold.

Transesophageal echoes may cause a temporary sore throat, but serious side effects are very rare.

Q8: How should I prepare for the test?

For a standard echocardiogram, no special preparation is needed.

For a transesophageal echo, you may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the test.

Bring any recent heart test results or medications you’re taking.

Q9: When will I get my results?

Your doctor or cardiologist usually reviews the images and provides a report within the same day or a few days. The report describes how well your heart is pumping and if there are any abnormalities.

Q10: What happens after the test?

You can return to normal activities immediately after a standard echo. If sedation was used (for a transesophageal echo), you’ll need someone to accompany you home once the sedation wears off.

Q11: Where can I do an echocardiogram in Papua New Guinea?

You can have the test done at Niugini Medical Services, where trained professionals use modern ultrasound technology to assess your heart’s function quickly and safely.

Walk-in appointments are welcome, and results are explained in simple terms to help you understand your heart health.