An echocardiogram or ‘echo’ is a scan that uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart. It is a painless procedure that doesn’t have any side effects. An echo uses no radiation and is safe. An echocardiogram is used to diagnose heart defects and to gain a better understanding of how the heart is functioning. An echo is similar to an ultrasound many woman have had of their unborn baby; however the echo focuses specifically on the heart and the blood vessels around the heart.

See the information sheet below for more details.

• What is an echocardiogram? (PDF, 99.7 KB)