Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) in Limassol

An echocardiogram (often called an "echo") is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows, in real time, how your heart muscle contracts, how your heart valves open and close, and how blood flows through the heart's chambers. At Cardiology Center Zacharias Kounnis in Limassol, echocardiography is one of the core tests of a cardiology assessment, and it is performed and interpreted within the context of your symptoms, examination and other results.

The test is painless, uses no radiation and does not require any injection in routine cases. It is one of the most informative tests in cardiology and is often the first imaging test a cardiologist recommends.

What an Echocardiogram Shows

A transthoracic echocardiogram, with colour Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging, allows the cardiologist to assess:

• Pumping function – how strongly the heart contracts, usually expressed as the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
• Heart valves – narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation) of the aortic, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary valves. Read more in our guide to valvular heart disease.
• Heart muscle thickness and size – for example thickening caused by long-standing high blood pressure, or changes seen in cardiomyopathy.
• Relaxation and filling of the heart (diastolic function), which is important in many patients with breathlessness.
• Pressures in the heart and lungs, including signs that may suggest pulmonary hypertension.
• The pericardium – the sac around the heart – and the presence of fluid.
• Congenital abnormalities, such as some holes between the heart chambers.

When Is an Echocardiogram Recommended?

Your cardiologist may recommend an echocardiogram if you have:

• shortness of breath, especially on exertion or when lying flat (see breathlessness during light activity);
• a heart murmur heard during examination;
• swollen ankles, unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance;
• palpitations or an abnormal ECG;
• high blood pressure, to check whether it has affected the heart;
• suspected or known heart failure, or follow-up of an existing heart condition;
• a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death;
• cancer treatment that can affect the heart, as part of cardio-oncology monitoring.

An echocardiogram is also part of our preventive cardiology programme and our comprehensive Check Up Plus heart check-up.

What Happens During the Test

Before the scan

No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink and take your usual medicines. Wear a top that is easy to remove.

During the scan

You lie on an examination couch, usually on your left side. A small amount of gel is placed on the chest and an ultrasound probe is moved over different areas to obtain views of the heart. ECG stickers may be attached to record your rhythm at the same time. The scan usually takes around 20 to 40 minutes.

After the scan

You can return to your normal activities immediately. Dr Kounnis explains the findings and how they fit with your symptoms and other test results, and whether any further tests or follow-up are needed.

Echocardiogram, ECG or Stress Echo?

These tests answer different questions and are often combined:

• An ECG records the heart's electrical activity and rhythm.
• A resting echocardiogram shows the heart's structure and function at rest.
• A stress test with stress echocardiography shows how the heart performs during exercise and can reveal problems that are not present at rest, such as reduced blood supply to part of the heart muscle.

For a more detailed patient guide, see our article What Is an Echocardiogram? A Complete Guide. The NHS overview of echocardiography also describes the different types of echo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an echocardiogram safe?

Yes. A standard transthoracic echocardiogram uses sound waves, not X-rays, and has no known harmful effects. It can be repeated as often as needed.

Does an echocardiogram show blocked arteries?

A resting echo does not directly show the coronary arteries. It can show areas of heart muscle that are not moving normally, which may suggest coronary artery disease. When this is suspected, a stress echocardiogram or other tests may be recommended. Learn more about coronary artery disease.

Will I get my results on the same day?

In most cases the findings are discussed with you during the same visit, as part of your cardiology consultation.

How often should an echocardiogram be repeated?

It depends on the reason for the test. Some valve conditions or heart failure need regular follow-up scans, while a normal echo in a person without symptoms may not need repeating for several years.

Book Your Echocardiogram in Limassol

To arrange an appointment, call +357 25 389696 or contact our cardiology centre in Limassol. Bring any previous reports, test results and a list of your current medicines. If you are unsure which test you need, the team can help you decide before your visit. You can also read more about Dr Zacharias Kounnis and our cardiology centre.

This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness or fainting, call 112 immediately.