Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)

Procedure Overview

Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound) at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center is a non-invasive, radiation-free diagnostic examination performed and interpreted by a board-certified cardiologist within our Cardiac Health Screening & Cardiology department. Using high-frequency sound waves and Color Doppler blood-flow mapping, the examination visualizes cardiac chambers, heart valves, myocardial wall motion, and the pericardium in real time. Clinical interpretation is led by experienced cardiologists including Dr. Jaegi Ko alongside our multidisciplinary faculty of 16 board-certified specialists.

Clinical Indications

• Evaluation of valvular heart disease (stenosis, regurgitation, or prolapse)
• Assessment of myocardial and pericardial disease (cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion)
• Screening for ischemic heart disease and regional wall-motion abnormalities, often paired with Coronary Artery CT Angiography
• Clinical evaluation for suspected infective endocarditis
• Investigation of chest discomfort, shortness of breath, heart murmurs, or unexplained fatigue

Clinical Examination Summary Table

Parameter / Examination	Clinical Purpose	Preparation / Protocol
2D & M-Mode Transthoracic Imaging	Measures cardiac chamber dimensions, wall thickness, and left ventricular ejection fraction	No fasting required; non-invasive chest transducer placement
Color & Spectral Doppler Mapping	Evaluates blood-flow direction, transvalvular pressure gradients, and valve regurgitation	Quiet respiration in left lateral decubitus position during recording
Tissue Doppler Diastolic Assessment	Quantifies myocardial relaxation and ventricular filling pressures	Synchronized 3-lead ECG monitoring throughout the 20–30 minute exam

How the Screening Works

1. Positioning & ECG Lead Placement: The patient lies comfortably on the examination table while ECG electrodes monitor cardiac timing alongside ultrasound imaging.
2. Two-Dimensional & Doppler Imaging: A gel-coated transducer is gently applied to the chest wall to capture multi-angle views of the heart chambers, valves, and great vessels.
3. Cardiologist Interpretation: The cardiologist analyzes ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic filling, valve gradients, and pericardial integrity, followed by consultation scheduling via our Consultation & Inquiry Desk.

Preparation & Precautions

• No fasting or radiation exposure is required for a standard resting transthoracic echocardiogram.
• Wearing a two-piece outfit or easily removable top is recommended for chest access.
• Bring any prior cardiac ultrasound or ECG records if available for comparative evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a transthoracic echocardiogram require fasting or contrast injection?

No, a standard resting transthoracic echocardiogram does not require fasting, sedation, or intravenous contrast dye. Because it relies on harmless high-frequency ultrasound waves rather than ionizing radiation, patients can eat, drink, and take their routine medications normally before the appointment.

What cardiac conditions can an echocardiogram detect that a resting ECG might miss?

While a resting ECG records the electrical activity of the heart over a few seconds, an echocardiogram directly visualizes mechanical pumping strength (ejection fraction), heart valve narrowing or leakage, chamber enlargement, pericardial fluid, and localized myocardial wall-motion abnormalities caused by prior ischemia.