Medically reviewed by Dr Nabila Laskar, Consultant Cardiologist (GMC 7040901). An echocardiogram (echo or TTE) is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It is the gold-standard test for assessing the heart's structure and function, showing how well the heart is pumping, the condition of the heart valves, and the size of each chamber.
An echo measures ejection fraction (how effectively the heart pumps blood), assesses the four heart valves for narrowing or leakage, measures the size and wall thickness of each chamber, and can detect fluid around the heart or structural abnormalities present from birth.
The test is painless and takes approximately 20–30 minutes. A small probe is moved across the chest using ultrasound gel, producing real-time moving images of the heart on a screen. There is no radiation involved and no recovery time needed — you can return to normal activity immediately.
Echocardiograms are recommended for anyone with symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, or a heart murmur, as well as for athletes establishing a structural cardiac baseline, those with a family history of heart disease, and as part of routine monitoring for known heart conditions.
Your echocardiogram report will include your ejection fraction percentage (normal range is typically 55–70%), valve function assessment, and chamber measurements. At The Cardiology Doctors, results are reviewed directly with Dr Laskar and explained in plain terms, with a full written report provided.
No. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and painless. It uses ultrasound, the same safe technology used in pregnancy scans.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
A normal ejection fraction is typically between 55% and 70%. Lower values may indicate reduced heart pumping function and warrant further assessment.
No referral is required for a private echocardiogram at The Cardiology Doctors. You can book directly.