PATIENT INFORMATION
Why have I been asked for an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, or “echo,” is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows how well the heart pumps and can assess the heart valves and pressures.
Most people do not need a routine echo before non-cardiac surgery. It may be requested when the team needs more information about symptoms or a known/suspected heart problem - for example breathlessness, signs of heart failure or a heart murmur associated with symptoms. The aim is not simply to collect more reports; it is to answer a question that could change perioperative care.
An abnormal result needs interpretation in your clinical context. Do not decide whether surgery is safe, or change treatment, solely from information on this website.