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What is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make moving pictures of your heart. A Specialist Cardiac Physiologist (a trained heart technician) will do the test. They might be a man or a woman, and they are usually not a doctor.

The test takes about 30–45 minutes. You will need to take off your clothes from the waist up and put on a gown that opens at the front. Then you will lie on your left side on a bed with your left arm raised above your head.

Small stickers will be placed on your chest, and wires will be attached to them to check your heart’s rhythm. A little bit of gel will be put on your chest, and the physiologist will move a small probe over your skin to see pictures of your heart.

There is no radiation in this test, and it has no known side effects. We work hard to keep you safe. Staff clean their hands and all equipment before and after each patient to help stop the potential spread of infections.

If you would like extra support, you can bring a parent, carer, family member, or friend with you. If you would like a Chaperone to be present during your examination, one can be arranged by the Echo Team.

Please inform the physiologist or a member of staff before your appointment.

Please arrive promptly for your echocardiogram appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may need to rebook your appointment to ensure other patients can be seen on time.

Before your Test   

  • You don’t need to stop eating or drinking before the test, you can have your meals and drinks as usual.
  • Take your medicines just like your doctor told you.
  • Wear comfy clothes that are easy to take off from the top half of your body.

After the test   

  • You may resume your usual activities immediately after the procedure. 

    A report will be uploaded to the system for your referring doctor, who will be notified once the report is signed. The official report will also be available on your MyFrimleyHealth App 21 days after of your echocardiogram. Your doctor will review and discuss the results with you at your next appointment.

Contact Details 

If you have any questions about your appointment, or if you need to cancel or rearrange you can contact us on the following numbers depending on where you are having the test

Our office hours are 08:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday. 

If you are unable to attend your appointment please contact us as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment slot to another patient.   

Additional Information

If you have special requirements (interpreter, mobility assistance), please contact the numbers above. 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cardiology service.

About this information

Service:
Cardiology

Reference:
C/040

Approval date:
10 August 2026

Review date:
1 August 2029

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.