Echocardiogram (echo) in Droitwich Spa Skip to main content

Echocardiogram in Droitwich Spa

At Droitwich Spa Hospital, our Consultant-led cardiology services provide expert assessment and diagnosis for a range of heart conditions. An echocardiogram (echo) is a safe, painless scan that allows our experienced team to look closely at the structure and function of your heart.

Using advanced ultrasound technology, an echocardiogram provides detailed images of your heart, helping our specialists identify any concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment or follow-up care.

Echocardiography-Doctor-examining-patient-heart-by-using-ultrasound-equipment

An echocardiogram, often called an “echo”, is a type of ultrasound scan used to examine the heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving images of your heart as it beats.

During the scan, a small handheld probe called a transducer is placed on your chest. The sound waves travel through your body and bounce back as echoes, which are converted into images displayed on a monitor.

An echocardiogram can show how well your heart muscle, chambers and valves are working, as well as how blood flows through your heart.

Although the names sound similar, an echocardiogram is different from an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG measures the electrical activity and rhythm of your heart, whereas an echocardiogram looks at the heart’s structure and function.

Your consultant may recommend an echocardiogram if you have symptoms that could be linked to a heart condition or if they need more information about how your heart is working.

An echo can help diagnose and monitor conditions including:

  • Heart valve problems: An echocardiogram can identify issues with the heart valves, such as valves that are narrowed (stenosis) or do not close properly (regurgitation), affecting blood flow around the heart.
  • Heart failure: An echo can assess how effectively your heart pumps blood around your body and identify changes in the heart muscle that may indicate heart failure.
  • Previous heart attack: The scan can highlight areas of the heart muscle that may have been damaged due to reduced blood supply.
  • Endocarditis: An echocardiogram can help detect complications caused by an infection affecting the lining of the heart and heart valves.
  • Congenital heart conditions: An echo can identify structural differences in the heart that may have been present from birth.
  • Blood clots or fluid around the heart: The scan can help identify blood clots within the heart or excess fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).

Your consultant may recommend an echocardiogram if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain or discomfort 
  • Chest tightness 
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat 
  • A slow heartbeat 
  • Dizziness 
  • Fainting 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Swelling in your legs or ankles

If you are experiencing any concerns about your heart health, speaking to a healthcare professional can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and the next steps.

An echocardiogram provides detailed information about your heart, including:

  • The size and shape of your heart 
  • How well your heart chambers are working 
  • The function of your heart valves 
  • The strength and direction of blood flow through your heart 
  • Areas of the heart muscle that may not be receiving enough blood supply 
  • Possible blood clots inside the heart 
  • Fluid build-up around the heart 
  • Abnormal growths or other structural changes 

This information helps our consultants make an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan.

An echocardiogram can help identify a range of heart abnormalities, including:

  • Heart valve disease – including narrowed or leaking valves 
  • Heart muscle abnormalities – areas that are not moving normally, which may indicate previous damage or reduced blood flow 
  • Enlarged heart chambers – which may be associated with conditions such as heart failure or cardiomyopathy 
  • Thickened heart walls – sometimes linked to high blood pressure or inherited heart conditions 
  • Structural heart defects – including abnormalities present from birth 
  • Blood clots or masses inside the heart
  • Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)

Your consultant will review your results carefully and explain what they mean for your health.

If your echocardiogram identifies an area of concern, our team will support you throughout your care journey.
Your consultant will:

  • Explain your results clearly and answer any questions you may have 
  • Discuss what the findings mean for your heart health 
  • Recommend any further investigations if required
  • Talk through suitable treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, medication or procedures 
  • Create a personalised care plan based on your individual needs 

Early detection of heart conditions can help improve outcomes and ensure you receive the right support at the right time.
Our skilled consultants will carefully analyse the results to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Choosing Droitwich Spa Hospital means you can benefit from:

  • Expert Consultant-led care 
  • Access to experienced healthcare professionals 
  • Modern diagnostic facilities 
  • Comfortable private hospital surroundings 
  • Fast access to appointments 
  • Clear communication throughout your care journey 
  • Personalised advice and treatment recommendations 

Whether you need an echocardiogram as part of an assessment, ongoing monitoring or investigation of symptoms, our team is here to provide expert support.
To find out more about having an echocardiogram at Droitwich Spa Hospital, book an appointment online or contact our team on  01905 793388.

Content reviewed by Dr Peysh Patel in August 2026. Next review due August 2029.

Ways to pay

i