Echocardiogram (Echo)

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Heart & Vascular Centre, Mater Private Network, 72 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, D07 RD8P 1800 20 05 50 Outside ROI +353 (0)51 595 124 heartcentre@materprivate.ie

Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.

Heart and Vascular Centre, 2nd Floor, Citygate, Mahon, Cork, T12 K199 021 601 3258 corkcardiology@materprivate.ie

Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.

Mater Private Network, Newenham House, Northern Cross, Malahide Rd., Dublin 17, D17 AY61 1800 12 48 16 Outside ROI +353 (0)51 595 119 dayhospital@materprivate.ie

Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.

Mater Private Network, Cherrywood Business Park, Building 11, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin, D18 DH50 1800 12 48 16 Outside ROI +353 (0)51 595 119 dayhospital@materprivate.ie

Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.

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Further Information

About this service

An echocardiogram/echo is a procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce images of the heart, which are used to evaluate how well the heart is working. 

The images created help your cardiologist to diagnose more accurately any issues with the valves or chambers of your heart, as well as detect congenital heart defects in unborn babies. 

The procedure 

The procedure will usually take 60 minutes. During the procedure a gel is applied to the chest and the ultrasound probe (transducer) glides over the gel, creating images of the internal structures of the heart. 

A number of factors are evaluated such as: 

  • Size of the heart 
  • Pumping strength of the heart 
  • Ability of heart to send blood throughout the body 
  • Heart muscle condition 
  • Heart valves 
  • Blood vessels 

Following the procedure

If your echocardiogram is normal, no further testing may be needed. If the results require further investigation, you may be referred back to your cardiologist for further tests.