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Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers to common questions about your tests, appointments, and what to expect, so you feel informed and prepared at every step
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Echocardiogram
Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
24 - hour Holter
12 lead ECG
24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

An echocardiogram, or “echo,” is a type of ultrasound used to assess the structure and function of your heart. It creates real-time images that show how your heart muscle and valves are working, and how blood flows through the chambers.

The most common type is a transthoracic echocardiogram, where a small ultrasound probe is placed on the chest wall. This may also be called a resting echocardiogram, TTE, or cardiac ultrasound.

Echocardiograms are different from electrocardiograms (ECGs), which measure the electrical activity of your heart rather than its structure.

Other common types of echocardiograms include:

  • Exercise stress echocardiogram – performed before and after physical exercise

  • Dobutamine stress echocardiogram – uses medication to simulate exercise

  • Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) – uses a probe inserted into the oesophagus under sedation to obtain detailed images.

An echocardiogram is a common and important test used to evaluate your heart’s structure and function. It helps your doctor better understand how your heart is working and can assist in diagnosing or monitoring a range of conditions.

An echocardiogram can assess:

  • How well your heart muscle is pumping
  • The size and thickness of your heart
  • How your heart valves are functioning
  • Blood flow through the heart
  • Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
  • The main artery leaving the heart (aorta)
  • Pressures in the blood vessels of the lungs
  • Structural issues such as a “hole in the heart”

No preparation is required for a transthoracic echocardiogram.

Take your usual medications as normal. Eat and drink normally, no fasting is required.

There are no harmful effects from an echocardiogram. There is no radiation from ultrasound studies.

You may experience minor discomfort from the ultrasound probe being pressed against the chest wall, more so if you have chest wall tenderness. The reason for the pressure on the ultrasound probe is to ensure good image quality. During an echocardiogram three “sticky” ECG (electrocardiogram) dots are placed on the chest. The ECG is required to match the cardiac cycle with the cardiac images. Occasionally patients experience skin irritation from the ECG dots. Applying a gentle moisturiser can help the irritation.

Appointments for echocardiograms are 45 minutes long. The echocardiogram images may take 30–45 minutes. Occasionally the echocardiogram study may require additional images and take longer than the scheduled 45 minutes.

 

Following the echocardiogram, the images are reviewed by a Cardiologist and then a formal report is sent to the doctor who referred you for the echocardiogram. Let us know at the time of your appointment if there is another doctor involved in your care who you would like a copy of the report sent to.

Following a referral to our practice for an echocardiogram, you will be contacted by our amazing medical receptionist and booked for an appointment. Prior to the appointment we ask you to fill out a patient registration form if you have not been to our practice before. We also have a consent form for you to sign prior to the echocardiogram. If you have any results of previous echocardiograms (or upload here), please bring them with you to your appointment and we can import them into your patient file for comparison. If you have had a previous echocardiogram and do not have a copy of the report, we will ask to sign a consent to request a copy for our records.

After checking in at the reception desk, we ask you to take a seat in the waiting room. When the sonographer is ready for your appointment they will call you in to the testing room.

You will be asked to undress to the waist. You will be provided with a gown that allows access to the chest for scanning. Please let us know if you have any concerns about removing clothing or under-garments.

When ready you will be asked to lie on your back on the scanning bed. Three “sticky” ECG dots will be placed on your chest to record the electrocardiogram (ECG).

The lights in the testing room will be dimmed to allow the sonographer to see your images more clearly. You will be asked to lie on your left-hand side, with you left arm up beside your head and your right arm down along your side with your hand placed on your hip. Please let the sonographer know if there are any concerns with lying on you left hand side or other concerns you may have.

Ultrasound gel (can be cold, water-based) is placed on the probe prior to placing the probe on your chest. The gel helps the transmission of the ultrasound waves.

You may be asked to hold your breath, either hold your breath in or hold your breath out. This is to minimise movement during an image acquisition and also for some views it is required to move the heart structure in to view. If you feel you cannot hold your breath don’t be concerned, we will adjust as necessary to make sure you are comfortable.

Images are also obtained towards the end of the study with you lying on your back.

At the completion of the study, you will be given a towel to remove any excess ultrasound gel. You will be asked to change back into your clothes and then present to the reception desk for payment and making sure follow up arrangements are in place with our practice, your GP or another treating doctor.

Synergy Cardiology is a private billing cardiology speciality practice. Payment is required on the day of your appointment. Fees for investigations and consultations will be quoted at the time of booking your appointment. We will process your Medicare rebate for you if you are eligible. Medicare rebates are paid into your nominated account. We are unable to confirm which account is linked with your Medicare account. Contact Medicare directly for any questions regarding your linked account.

An Exercise Stress Echocardiogram, or stress echo, is a test that combines an ultrasound of your heart with a treadmill exercise test. It helps us see how well your heart functions when it’s working harder—such as during physical activity. The test shows how your heart muscles and valves respond under stress and helps detect any areas with poor blood flow.

Yes, the test is generally safe and is supervised by trained medical professionals. Your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and physical responses will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. Like any test involving exercise, there may be mild risks, especially if you have existing heart issues, but emergency care is readily available if needed.

Your doctor may recommend this test to evaluate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue during physical activity. It also helps us detect coronary artery disease, assess how well previous treatments like stents or bypass surgery are working, and determine your heart’s overall fitness and function.

Once the test is complete, you’ll be allowed to rest and recover. The cardiologist will review the images and measurements, then schedule a time to discuss the results with you. Based on the findings, further testing or treatment may be recommended if necessary.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and walking or running shoes. Avoid wearing lotions or oils on your chest area on the day of the test, as these can interfere with the ultrasound imaging. It’s also helpful to bring a list of your current medications.

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything except water for a few hours before the test. Some medications, particularly those affecting your heart rate or blood pressure, may need to be paused. Your doctor or a nurse from Synergy Cardiology will provide clear instructions based on your health profile.

A Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) is a specialised type of heart ultrasound. Unlike a standard echocardiogram that uses a probe on the chest, a TOE involves passing a thin ultrasound probe down the oesophagus (food pipe) while you are under light sedation. Because the oesophagus sits directly behind the heart, this test provides highly detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, especially the heart valves and upper chambers.

Transoesophageal echocardiograms are performed at Pindara Private Hospital by a Cardiac Imaging Cardiologist. They are conducted as a day admission procedure or during an inpatient hospital stay, depending on your clinical needs. Admission paperwork must be completed ahead of time.

A TOE helps your cardiologist closely examine your heart’s structure and function, particularly the valves, chambers, and surrounding blood vessels. It’s often used to investigate blood clots, infections, or valve problems that may not be visible on other imaging tests.

You’ll need to fast for at least six hours before your test. Please advise us of any medications you’re taking, allergies, or swallowing difficulties. You’ll also need someone to drive you home, as sedation is used during the procedure.

You’ll rest in recovery until the sedation wears off. Some people experience a mild sore throat for a short time. Your cardiologist will review the images and discuss the results with you or your referring doctor once the analysis is complete.

A 24-hour Holter Monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity over a full day. It provides a detailed picture of how your heart functions during normal daily activities and sleep.

Your doctor may recommend a Holter Monitor if you experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting spells, or if there are irregularities seen on a standard ECG. It helps identify heart rhythm problems that may not appear during a short in-clinic test.

Several small electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to a portable recorder worn on your belt or shoulder strap. You’ll be asked to continue your normal activities while wearing the device and to record any symptoms in a diary for comparison with the data collected.

You will not be able to shower, bathe, or swim during the monitoring period, as the device is not waterproof. Light activity is fine, but avoid excessive sweating or vigorous exercise that could loosen the electrodes.

 

You’ll return the monitor to our clinic, where the data will be downloaded and analysed by a cardiologist. Your referring doctor will then discuss the results with you and determine any next steps in your care.

A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps your cardiologist assess your heart rhythm and detect signs of conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac abnormalities.

Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to measure your heart’s electrical signals. These signals are displayed as waveforms on a monitor or printed on paper for your cardiologist to interpret. The procedure usually takes around 5–10 minutes.

No, an ECG is completely painless. You may feel the coolness of the electrodes or mild pressure when they are applied, but the test does not involve any needles or shocks.

No special preparation is required. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications before the test. It’s best to wear a loose-fitting top to allow easy access to your chest area.

Once the ECG is complete, your results are reviewed by a cardiologist. Your referring doctor or cardiologist will then discuss the findings with you and determine if any further investigation or treatment is needed.

A 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) is a small device that records your blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night. It provides a more accurate picture of your blood pressure under real-life conditions.

This test helps your doctor understand how your blood pressure changes during normal activities and sleep. It’s often used to confirm a diagnosis of high or low blood pressure, assess how well medication is working, or investigate symptoms such as dizziness or headaches.

A small blood pressure cuff is placed on your upper arm and connected to a lightweight monitor worn on your belt or shoulder strap. The cuff automatically inflates every 20–30 minutes during the day and every 30–60 minutes overnight to take readings.

Yes, you can continue with your usual routine, but avoid vigorous exercise or getting the monitor wet. When the cuff inflates, try to keep your arm still and relaxed to ensure accurate readings.

You’ll return the monitor to our clinic so the recorded data can be analysed by your cardiologist. Your results will help guide your doctor in diagnosing or managing your blood pressure more effectively.