What is echocardiography?

Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the heart's structure and function. It is the most versatile and widely used cardiac imaging modality — providing immediate, detailed assessment of the heart muscle, valves, pericardium and major vessels, all without radiation.

At HeartWise Cardiology, echocardiograms are performed by accredited cardiac sonographers and reported by specialist cardiologist Dr Tashi Zhaxiduojie (FRACP, PhD). Bulk billing is available with a valid Medicare referral.

Types of echocardiography

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): Standard, non-invasive exam. Ultrasound probe applied to the chest wall. No preparation required. Performed in 30–45 minutes.
• Stress echocardiogram: TTE performed before and immediately after exercise (treadmill or bicycle) or pharmacological stress. Detects ischaemia and functional valve changes. See dedicated page.
• Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE): Probe passed into the oesophagus under sedation. Provides superior resolution of posterior structures. Used for AF ablation planning, endocarditis, and detailed valve assessment.

Key measurements obtained

• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): The percentage of blood pumped with each beat. Normal ≥55%. The key measure in heart failure diagnosis and monitoring.
• Left ventricular size and wall thickness: Identifies dilated, hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
• Diastolic function: Assessed using tissue Doppler and mitral inflow. Identifies diastolic dysfunction (impaired relaxation) — the hallmark of HFpEF.
• Valve morphology and function: Doppler quantification of stenosis severity (area, gradient) and regurgitation grade (mild/moderate/severe) for all four cardiac valves.
• Regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA): Identifies ischaemic territories corresponding to specific coronary arteries. Indicates prior or ongoing myocardial infarction.
• Pericardial effusion: Quantifies fluid around the heart; identifies tamponade physiology.
• Right ventricular size and function: Assesses for right heart failure, pulmonary hypertension (estimated RVSP) and right-sided valve disease.
• Aortic root dimensions: Important for bicuspid aortic valve surveillance and aortic aneurysm monitoring.

Common reasons for referral for echocardiography:

What to expect

• No fasting or special preparation required for a standard TTE
• You will be asked to undress from the waist up; a gown is provided
• ECG electrode stickers are applied to monitor heart rhythm during the scan
• You will lie on your left side on a padded examination table
• The sonographer applies ultrasound gel to the chest and uses a handheld probe
• Images are acquired from multiple windows (parasternal, apical, subcostal)
• Total examination time: 30–45 minutes
• Results are reported by Dr Tashi and sent to your referring doctor within 1–2 business days

Echocardiograms at HeartWise Cardiology are Medicare-rebatable when requested by a GP or specialist with a clinical indication. Bulk billing is available in most cases.

• Bring your referral letter to the appointment
• A valid Medicare card is required for bulk billing
• The referral may be from a GP, physician, or specialist
• Walk-in echocardiograms are not performed — a prior referral and appointment are required