01 — Overview
About 2D Echo
A 2D echo uses ultrasound — the same technology used in pregnancy scans — to create moving pictures of your heart. There is no radiation and no pain.
It shows the size of the heart's chambers, how strongly the heart muscle pumps (often reported as the ejection fraction), how the valves open and close, and whether there is fluid around the heart.
02 — Who may need it
- 01Breathlessness or swelling of the feet
- 02A heart murmur heard during examination
- 03After a heart attack, to assess the heart muscle
- 04Long-standing high blood pressure
- 05Evaluation of suspected heart failure or valve disease
03 — How it is done
- 1
Positioning
You lie on your left side and a small amount of gel is applied to the chest.
- 2
Scanning
A probe is moved gently across the chest while images of the heart are recorded.
- 3
Report
Your cardiologist interprets the images and explains the findings.
04 — Before and after
- Preparation
- You will be told in advance about fasting, which medicines to continue or pause, and what to bring — usually your ID, previous reports and a list of current medicines.
- Duration & hospital stay
- Your cardiologist tells you how long the test or procedure takes and whether you can go home the same day, based on your case.
- Recovery & aftercare
- Before you leave you get a written plan for medicines, activity, work and driving, plus the date of your follow-up review.
- Risks, cost & insurance
- Risks, a cost estimate and your insurance or scheme options are explained to you and your family before consent is taken.
This page is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor. Whether you need this test or treatment is decided after a consultation.