Echocardiograms in Yarrabilba and Springwood
An echocardiogram, often called an echo or heart ultrasound, is a safe, painless scan that uses sound waves to create detailed moving images of your heart. It shows the size and shape of the heart, how well it pumps, and how the valves are working, all without radiation or needles.
At Yarrabilba Cardiology & Specialist Centre, echocardiograms are performed on site by our qualified cardiac sonographer and reported by our specialist cardiologists, with results sent promptly to your referring GP. Bulk billing is available for eligible patients with a valid Medicare referral.
Why Your Doctor May Order an Echocardiogram
Your GP or cardiologist may request an echo to:
- Investigate symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, swelling or fainting
- Check how well the heart pumps (ejection fraction), including in suspected heart failure
- Assess heart valves for narrowing or leaking
- Look for the effects of high blood pressure on the heart
- Investigate a heart murmur found during examination
- Monitor a known heart condition or the heart’s response to treatment
- Check the heart before or during certain medical treatments, such as some chemotherapy medicines
What an Echocardiogram Can Show
Echocardiograms in Yarrabilba and Springwood
An echocardiogram, often called an echo or heart ultrasound, is a safe, painless scan that uses sound waves to create detailed moving images of your heart. It shows the size and shape of the heart, how well it pumps, and how the valves are working, all without radiation or needles.
At Yarrabilba Cardiology & Specialist Centre, echocardiograms are performed on site by our qualified cardiac sonographer and reported by our specialist cardiologists, with results sent promptly to your referring GP. Bulk billing is available for eligible patients with a valid Medicare referral.
What Happens During the Scan
- You will be asked to undress from the waist up and lie on an examination bed. A gown or drape is provided.
- Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest to track your heart rhythm during the scan.
- The sonographer applies a cool gel and moves a small probe across your chest to capture images from different angles. You may be asked to roll onto your left side or briefly hold your breath.
- The scan typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Afterwards, the gel is wiped away and you can return to normal activities straight away.
An echocardiogram is painless, uses no radiation, and has no known side effects. Some mild pressure from the probe is normal.
How to Prepare
No special preparation is needed. Eat, drink and take your medications as usual. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of.
Getting Your Results
Your scan is reviewed and reported by one of our specialist cardiologists. The report is sent to your referring doctor, usually within a few business days, and any significant findings are communicated to your GP as a priority. Your GP or cardiologist will discuss the results with you and explain any recommended next steps.
Echocardiogram FAQs
Bulk billing is available for eligible patients with a valid Medicare referral. Please confirm your eligibility with our reception team when booking.
Usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the views required and your individual anatomy
No. You may feel light pressure from the probe on your chest, but the scan is painless and non-invasive.
No. Echocardiograms use ultrasound (sound waves), not radiation, and are safe to repeat as often as clinically needed.
Medicare places limits on how frequently some GP-requested heart tests, including echocardiograms, attract a rebate. If a repeat scan is needed sooner, a cardiologist consultation may be required. Our team can advise on your situation when booking.
An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes on the skin and takes a few minutes. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan showing the heart’s structure and pumping function. They provide different information and are often used together.
Book an Echocardiogram
Have a referral for an echo? Contact our team to book your scan at Yarrabilba or Springwood.