Cardiac Ultrasound
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Theodoros Barlogiannis, CardiologistLast updated: 26 July 2026
A cardiac ultrasound (triplex echocardiogram) is a non-invasive test that images the structure and function of the heart using ultrasound, with no radiation. It shows the heart chambers, the valves and the contractility of the heart muscle. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and requires no preparation.
What is a Cardiac Ultrasound?
Cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive test that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. It is a crucial examination that allows cardiologists to assess the structure and function of the heart.
When should a Cardiac Ultrasound be performed?
The cardiac ultrasound is often recommended for patients facing some of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Chest Discomfort or Pain: If a patient experiences chest pain or discomfort, cardiac ultrasound can help evaluate heart function and rule out potential serious heart conditions.
- Shortness of Breath: Individuals with unexplained difficulty breathing may undergo a cardiac ultrasound to assess heart function and identify possible causes.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Patients with high blood pressure may undergo a cardiac ultrasound to assess the effects of hypertension on the structure and function of the heart.
- Murmurs: A cardiac ultrasound can help identify the cause of a murmur, such as valve disorders or congenital heart conditions.
- Monitoring Cardiac Diseases: Patients with known cardiac diseases, such as cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, or previous heart attacks, regularly undergo cardiac ultrasounds to monitor their condition and the effectiveness of their treatment.
- Assessment After a Heart Attack: A cardiac ultrasound can assess the extent of damage to the myocardium after a heart attack.
What does a Cardiac Ultrasound show?
The cardiac ultrasound can diagnose a wide range of cardiac conditions and provide valuable information about the structure and function of the heart. Some diagnostic information obtained through a cardiac ultrasound includes:
- Cardiac Anatomy: Provides critical information about the size and shape of the heart chambers and any deviations from the normal anatomy of the heart that indicate underlying pathologies.
- Valve Function: Evaluates the function of heart valves, including the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves, identifying any insufficiencies or stenoses.
- Thickness of Heart Walls: Measures the thickness of the heart walls, indicating whether the heart muscles are hypertrophied, a sign of certain cardiac diseases.
- Ejection Fraction: Measures how well the heart pumps blood to the rest of the body. A normal ejection fraction ranges from 50% to 70%.
- Blood Flow: Evaluates blood flow through the heart, checking for abnormalities or obstructions.
- Tumors: Assists in detecting any tumors within the heart.
- Pericardial Assessment: Examines the pericardium for inflammation or fluid accumulation.
- Congenital Heart Diseases: Identifies congenital heart problems, such as narrowing, blood leakage, and abnormalities of major vessels and coronary arteries.
- Overall Cardiac Function Assessment: Combines all the above information to provide a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function, aiding in the diagnosis or monitoring of cardiac diseases.
How is a Cardiac Ultrasound performed?
The cardiac ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. During the examination, the patient lies on the examination bed, and a special gel is applied to the chest to improve ultrasound image quality. The cardiologist moves the transducer around the chest area to obtain various views of the patient's heart, sometimes asking the patient to change positions or breathe in specific ways for optimal imaging. The procedure typically lasts about 30 minutes and does not require specific preparation from the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cardiac ultrasound show?
A triplex scan images the heart chambers, wall thickness, valve function and the contractility of the heart muscle, while Doppler imaging assesses blood flow. This allows detection of valve disease, heart failure, chamber dilation and other cardiac conditions.
How long does a cardiac ultrasound take?
The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You lie on your side while the cardiologist moves the transducer over the chest using a small amount of gel. The result and the medical report are available immediately, at the end of the examination.
Do I need to prepare for a cardiac ultrasound?
No preparation is needed. You do not need to fast — you can eat, drink and take your medication as usual. Simply wear clothing that is easy to remove from the upper body so the examination can be performed comfortably.
When should I have a cardiac ultrasound?
A triplex scan is recommended when symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations or a heart murmur are present, and for the follow-up of hypertension, valve disease and heart failure. It is also part of preventive screening. Your cardiologist will advise how often it should be repeated.
Is a cardiac ultrasound safe?
Yes, it is completely safe. It uses ultrasound waves rather than ionizing radiation, so it can be repeated as often as needed, even in children or during pregnancy. It has no known side effects and causes no pain or discomfort.
The information above is educational and does not replace medical advice.