An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It assesses heart muscle and valve function and checks for congenital problems, such as a "hole in the heart."
Echocardiography is performed using a machine much the same as that used for pregnancy ultrasounds.
In Stawell we are able to perform echocardiograms on all adults (17 years and older). In Ballarat we are able perform studies on people of all ages, from newborns onwards.
No preparation is required for an Echocardiogram. For younger patients (especially babies), it can be helpful to bring along a bottle or food to feed them during the study to help distract them if they are likely to become upset.