An echocardiogram, or an ‘echo’ is a common procedure undertaking for cardiac imaging. It uses ultrasound (sound waves) to produce
an image of your heart. No radiation is involved. Your heart muscle, valves, large blood vessels and blood flow can be assessed
in great detail. Echocardiography provides your doctor with information about the blood pressure within the chambers of the
heart and lungs. Echocardiography is not dangerous and does not involve radiation or X-rays. You should not feel pain or discomfort.
These cardiac imaging tests are used to screen for heart disease. They can determine what is causing your symptoms, monitor
your heart and find out if your treatment is working. Cardiac (heart) imaging procedures include CT Coronary Angiography and
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring. Our specialist radiologists supervise or perform these diagnostic procedures in our clinics
across the Central Queensland.
A technician will place small metal disks called electrodes on your chest. These electrodes have wires which attach
to the ultrasound machine. This machine monitors your heart rhythm during the test. To image the heart, the
technician will press firmly as he or she moves the transducer across your chest and will ask you to briefly
hold your breath during the test. For most of the test, you will be required to lie still.