Echocardiogram in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often called an echo, is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A small handheld probe placed on the chest sends high-frequency sound waves into the body and picks up their echoes, which a computer turns into moving pictures of the heart as it beats. It uses the same principle as a pregnancy scan and involves no radiation, so it can be repeated as often as your care needs.
The scan shows the four chambers of the heart, how strongly the muscle squeezes and relaxes, how the four valves open and close, and the direction and speed of blood flow through them, shown in colour on the screen. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, echocardiograms are carried out and reviewed within the cardiology service, so the person interpreting the images understands the question your doctor is asking.
Who needs it
An echocardiogram is one of the most frequently requested heart tests, because it answers many questions in a single painless scan. Your doctor may request one if you have:
- Breathlessness, particularly on exertion or when lying flat
- Swelling of the ankles or legs
- A heart murmur heard through a stethoscope
- Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, including atrial fibrillation
- Chest pain, as part of a wider assessment
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- High blood pressure of long standing, which can thicken the heart muscle
- A previous heart attack, known heart failure or a valve condition that needs monitoring
An echo is also used to check the heart before some operations and treatments, and to follow a known condition over time so that changes are picked up early. The wider picture of heart symptoms and when to see a cardiologist is covered on the Cardiology page.
What happens
A standard echocardiogram is carried out from the outside of the chest and takes around 30 to 45 minutes. You undress to the waist and are given a gown that opens at the front, and small sticky pads are placed on the chest to record your heart rhythm alongside the pictures.
You lie on the couch, usually turned onto your left side with your left arm raised behind your head. This position brings the heart closer to the chest wall and gives clearer pictures. The room is often dimmed so the screen is easier to read.
Cool gel is applied to the chest, and the probe is moved to several positions: beside the breastbone, under the left breast, below the ribs and sometimes at the base of the neck. Firm pressure is needed at times to get a clear view, which can feel a little uncomfortable but is brief. You may hear a whooshing sound, which is the ultrasound picking up blood flowing through the valves. You may be asked to breathe in, breathe out or hold your breath for a few seconds while particular images are recorded.
Occasionally a different type of echo is needed to answer a specific question, and your cardiologist explains if that applies to you.
Preparing for it
A standard echocardiogram needs very little preparation. You can eat, drink and take your usual medicines as normal. Wear a top that is easy to remove, since you will need to undress to the waist; a two-piece outfit is more practical than a dress.
Bring a list of your medicines, any previous echo reports, ECGs and letters from other hospitals. Comparing a new scan with an earlier one is often the most useful part of the report, because it shows whether a valve or the heart muscle has changed. If you would prefer a female member of staff to perform the scan, mention it when you book and the team will advise on availability.
Afterwards
You can wipe off the gel, dress and return to your normal activities straight away, including driving and work. In many cases the cardiologist discusses the main findings with you at the time or at your follow-up appointment the same day, and a written report is sent to the doctor who requested the scan. If the echo shows a condition that needs treatment or further tests, your cardiologist explains the next steps and how often the scan should be repeated.
Contact the hospital if you have questions about your results or if your symptoms change while you are waiting for follow-up. Go to the emergency department straight away if you develop chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, sudden severe breathlessness or you collapse, as these need urgent assessment whatever your echo showed.
Cost and insurance
An echocardiogram requested by a doctor for symptoms or a known heart condition is covered by most UAE health insurance plans, sometimes after pre-approval. Screening scans without symptoms are sometimes excluded, and coverage for repeat scans can depend on the reason they are requested. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover before the scan on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is an echocardiogram painful?
An echocardiogram is painless, although the probe is sometimes pressed firmly against the chest to get a clear view, which can feel uncomfortable for a few seconds. The gel is cool, and the scan uses sound waves, so there are no needles for a standard echo.
Does an echocardiogram use radiation?
An echocardiogram uses no radiation at all. It works with ultrasound, the same sound-wave technology used in pregnancy scans, so it is safe to repeat as often as your care requires.
What can an echocardiogram not show?
A standard echocardiogram shows the heart's structure, pumping strength and valves, but it does not show narrowing inside the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle. A normal echo therefore does not rule out coronary artery disease, which is why your cardiologist may also request a stress test or other investigation if you have chest pain on exertion.
Why are some echo pictures unclear?
Echo pictures can be less clear when the lungs, ribs, chest wall thickness or scarring from previous surgery sit between the probe and the heart. The person performing the scan adjusts your position and the probe angle to improve the view, and occasionally a different type of echo is recommended to answer a specific question.
What is the difference between an ECG and an echocardiogram?
An ECG records the heart's electrical activity and shows its rhythm, while an echocardiogram is an ultrasound that shows the heart's structure, valves and pumping. The two tests answer different questions and are often done at the same visit. A resting ECG is described on the [ECG testing](/services/ecg-testing/) page.
When will I get my echocardiogram results?
Echocardiogram findings are often discussed with you on the day of the scan, and a written report follows to the doctor who requested it. If further tests are needed, your cardiologist explains why and what they will add.
What are the risks of an echocardiogram?
A standard echocardiogram carries no known risks, because it uses sound waves instead of radiation and involves no needles. The main drawbacks are brief discomfort from probe pressure, mild skin irritation from the sticky pads in some people, and the chance that image quality limits what the scan can show. You can take your usual medicines as normal beforehand.
Is an echocardiogram covered by insurance?
Most UAE insurance plans cover an echocardiogram requested by a doctor for symptoms or a known heart condition, sometimes with pre-approval, while screening scans without symptoms may be excluded. Confirm your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
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