An echocardiogram is a detailed scan used to analyse the heart and blood vessels. An ultrasound probe emits high-powered sound waves that produce echoes as the sound waves bounce against parts of the body. As a result, the echoes are converted into moving images that can be seen on the doctor’s monitor.

An echocardiogram picks up and monitors cardiovascular conditions by analysing the heart's structure and the health of the blood vessels. The test is designed to assess how blood moves through the arteries and to evaluate the functional capacity of the heart’s chambers. Dr Hassen performs an echocardiogram to check for cardiomyopathy when the heart’s walls thicken or thin to diagnose endocarditis, a condition that occurs due to an infection in the heart's inner lining that damages the heart valves.

How does Dr Hassen carry out an echocardiogram?

There are various ways to carry out an echocardiogram; the first is referred to as a transthoracic echocardiogram. Dr Hassen attaches sensors (electrodes) that stick to the chest. The electrodes attach to a machine that measures your heart rate and rhythm. Next, he applies a lubricant to the probe itself or applies it to the chest directly. The probe moves across the chest swiftly. Then, the machine records and presents images of the heart muscle.

A stress echocardiogram is a test done during strenuous exercise on a bicycle or treadmill or after exercising. Alternatively, medication can be given for the heart to work faster.

Another type of echocardiogram is a contrast echocardiogram that utilises contrast dye to create images of the heart. By analysing these images and how the contrast agent moves through the blood vessels, Dr Hassen can determine whether any internal damage was done to the heart.

Depending on the type of test, Dr Hassen can discuss the results of the echocardiogram on the day of the test. Sometimes, the images of the echocardiogram need to be analysed first before the results are sent to Dr Hassen.