Tests and scans
An echo is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of your heart.
When you have an echo, doctors can look at:
the structure of your heart
how well the heart is pumping
nearby blood vessels
The ultrasound scanner has a probe that gives off sound waves. The probe looks a bit like a microphone. The sound waves bounce off the heart and the probe picks them up. The probe links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture on the screen.
You also have sticky pads with wires connected to your chest. These track your heart rate during the test.
The test takes between 20 minutes to 1 hour. You usually have an echo in the hospital x-ray or heart department. A specially trained heart ultrasound specialist (echocardiographer) does the test.
An echo is a safe test. There are no risks from this test.
We have more information on tests, treatment and support if you have been diagnosed with cancer.
Last reviewed: 31 Mar 2025
Next review due: 31 Mar 2028
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
Find out about possible causes of cancer, how cancer starts and grows, tests to diagnose it, and general information about treatments.
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