What an Echocardiogram Reveals About Your Heart

You might be wondering what an echocardiogram reveals, especially if your doctor in Singapore has recommended one. At The Heart & Vascular Centre (THVC), echocardiograms are commonly used to evaluate how well the heart is functioning, especially for patients experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, fatigue or heart murmurs.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive heart ultrasound study that uses sound waves to safely create moving images of your heart in real time. Your doctor uses it to assess:

How well the heart is pumping
Whether valves are functioning properly
If any areas of the heart muscle are damaged or weak

There are two common types:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): Done externally on the chest
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A more detailed scan performed through the oesophagus (similar to a gastroscope)

In addition, an echocardiogram provides direct visualisation of heart structures and gives essential insights for diagnosing various heart conditions. That’s why doctors across Singapore routinely use it in healthcare settings.

Why Is It Important?

An echocardiogram helps your doctor detect a variety of heart conditions. For instance, it can show whether your heart is pumping efficiently, helping to diagnose heart failure. Moreover, it can also reveal structural issues such as mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis or “holes” in the heart (atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect). For patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the scan can help assess chamber enlargement. It also helps doctors evaluate pulmonary pressures and detect hidden clots or abnormalities. In some cases, doctors may combine echocardiography with exercise or pharmacological stress tests to assess artery blockages.

When Should You Get an Echocardiogram?

Doctors often recommend it if you experience:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Fainting or dizziness
Fatigue with exertion
High blood pressure
Heart murmur

What to Expect During the Test

Time: Typically 20–45 minutes
Discomfort: None, it’s painless and radiation-free
Preparation: You don’t need to fast for TTE, but fasting is required for TEE.
Results: Often available immediately or within the same day

Why Choose THVC for Your Echocardiogram in Singapore

When your doctor recommends an echocardiogram, choosing the right heart specialist becomes essential. At The Heart & Vascular Centre (THVC), we combine advanced cardiac imaging with personalised care to help you better understand your heart health and treatment options.

Dr. Lim Choon Pin brings deep expertise in echocardiography and advanced heart failure management, ensuring your scan is interpreted accurately and used meaningfully to guide care. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or monitoring a known condition, our team is here to support you through every step.

Book an appointment with THVC or speak to our team to learn more about echocardiogram today.

References:

SingHealth. (n.d.). Echocardiogram. https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/echocardiogram

Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 17). Echocardiogram. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/about/pac-20393856

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