Echocardiography is also referred to as cardiac ultrasound. This test is performed by a cardiac sonographer. It is a test that uses high frequency sound waves to generate pictures of your heart. During the test you lie on on your left side and the sonographer then moves the ultrasound probe over your chest. Gel is used to increase the conductivity of the ultrasound waves. The test is generally painless and will take 30 - 60mins.

Echocardiography can help in the diagnosis of many heart problems including cardiovascular disease, previous heart attacks, valve disorders, weakened heart muscle, holes between heart chambers and fluid around the heart.