An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to show how your heart moves and pumps. Our cardiac sonographers capture the images, and a cardiologist sends a report to your referring doctor.
Cardiac sonographersTrained to scan the heart only
Specialist cardiac ultrasound
Clear heart images, read by a cardiologist
Echocardiography is ultrasound of the heart. It shows your heart moving in real time, so your doctor can check its pumping, its valves and its size without any needles or radiation.
Real-time picturesEvery chamber and valve is recorded while your heart beats.
Cardiologist reportA specialist reviews your images and writes the report.
Sent to your doctorYour GP or specialist receives the report within [X] business days.
What we look at
Four views of your heart
The sonographer moves the probe to a few standard positions. Each position shows a different slice of the heart.
PLAX
Parasternal long axis
Shows the left ventricle, the aortic valve and the mitral valve side by side.
PSAX
Short axis
A cross-section that shows how evenly the heart muscle squeezes all the way around.
A4C
Apical 4-chamber
All four chambers at once, taken from the tip of the heart.
Doppler
Colour Doppler
Measures blood flow, so the cardiologist can see any leaking or narrowed valve.
Tests
Echocardiograms and other heart tests
Your referral tells us which test your doctor wants. Not sure? Upload it with your request and we'll check.
Resting echocardiogram
The standard echo, taken through the chest wall while you lie still. It measures how well your heart pumps and checks all four valves.
Doctors often request it for a heart murmur, breathlessness, swelling in the legs or to monitor a known condition.
Time
30–45 minutes
Prepare
Nothing special
Wear
A separate top
Results
To your doctor
Stress echocardiogram
Images are taken at rest, then straight after you walk on a treadmill. Comparing them shows how your heart muscle copes with extra effort.
It is often used to look for narrowed heart arteries.
Time
About 60 minutes
Prepare
Follow your doctor's medicine advice
Wear
Walking shoes
Results
To your doctor
12-lead ECG
Small sticky pads record the electrical signal of your heart. It checks your rhythm and can show signs of strain or a past heart attack.
Time
About 10 minutes
Prepare
Nothing special
Wear
A separate top
Results
To your doctor
Holter monitor
A small recorder clips to your belt and records every heartbeat for 24 hours or longer while you go about your normal day.
It helps catch palpitations or dizzy spells that come and go.
Fitting
About 15 minutes
Wear for
24 hours or more
Avoid
Showering while wearing it
Results
To your doctor
Process
Your echocardiogram appointment, step by step
01
Referral
Your GP or specialist refers you for the test you need.
02
Request
Send the form below. We reply within one business day with a time.
03
Scan
Bring your referral and Medicare card. The scan takes 30–45 minutes.
04
Report
A cardiologist reports the images and sends them to your doctor.
Your results
Understanding your echocardiogram results
Your report goes to the doctor who referred you. They will explain the findings and what happens next, so book a follow-up appointment with them after your scan.
Bring your questions to that appointment. Writing them down beforehand helps you remember.
*Costs and Medicare.A Medicare rebate applies when your referral meets Medicare criteria. [BULK BILLING OR FEE DETAILS] We confirm any cost before you book.
Before you come
How to prepare for your echocardiogram
BringReferral
Paper or electronic, from your GP or specialist.
BringMedicare card
Needed to process your Medicare rebate.
WearA two-piece outfit
You'll undress to the waist and get a gown.
Arrive10 minutes early
Time to check in and fill in a short form.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about echocardiography
Ask anything else in the request form. We reply within one business day.
