​Echocardiogram (ECHO)​

The test is performed by a specially trained echo-technologist. A doctor may assist the technologist if there is a need. The test is used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. 

How to prepare for the test?

• An advance appointment must be made. 
  

• Bring your doctor's prescription to the appointment. 
  

• You can eat and drink as usual and should continue to take any prescribed medications. No special preparation is required.
  

• Wear clothing you can easily change in and out of, as you will be asked to change into a hospital gown when you come for the test.​

Strain imaging helps in identifying changes in the heart muscle (myocardium) and function using cardiac ultrasound. The test is useful in screening cancer patients, who have received medications during cancer treatment that may have had negative effects on the heart. The test is also used to evaluate patients with heart muscle disease, heart failure or pericardial disease.

How to prepare for the test?

• An advance appointment must be made. 
  

• Bring your doctor's prescription to the appointment. 
  

• You can eat and drink as usual and should continue to take any prescribed medications. No special preparation is required.
  

• Wear clothing you can easily change in and out of, as you will be asked to change into a hospital gown when you come for the test.​

Foetal Echocardiography is a non-invasive (doesn’t require any surgery), ultrasonic procedure used in the diagnosis and management of heat diseases in the unborn child.  Foetal Echocardiogram is best when performed between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

How to prepare for the test?

Paediatric Echocardiography is an ultrasound to help doctors diagnose conditions of the heart in new-borns, infants and children.  The test is performed by a paediatric cardiologist (doctor trained to treat heart diseases in children) and assisted by a specially trained paediatric echo-technologist (technologist trained in conducting echocardiograms for children). 

How to prepare for the test?

• An advance appointment must be made. 
  

• Bring your doctor's prescription to the appointment. 
  

• You can eat and drink as usual and should continue to take any prescribed medications. No special preparation is required.
  

• Children may have to be sedated with a mild oral sedative to ensure that they remain still during the test. 

Stress Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound images of the heart to determine health of the heart muscles as they are pumping blood around the body. The results obtained by Stress Echocardiography are used to assess the probability of coronary artery blockages or viability of damaged heart muscles.  All stress tests are performed under the supervision of a doctor. 

There are two types of Stress Echocardiograms. If you are able to exercise vigorously on a treadmill, an exercise echocardiogram will be performed. The second method of stressing the heart is with administration of dobutamine intravenously.

How to prepare for the test?

• An advance appointment must be made. 
  

• Bring your doctor's prescription to the appointment. 
  

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before the test. 
  

• Take your medications as usual, but do not take any drugs called beta-blockers on the day of the test.
  

• Bring your medications with you the day of the test.
  

• Wear loose clothing and comfortable flat shoes to walk in. Do not wear open toe sandals, flip-flops or slippers.
  

• It may be necessary for men to shave their chest before the test.
  

• If you are suffering from fever or any other illness, please inform the doctor or the technologist.​