Echocardiography is a painless, radiation-free diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound waves to visualize the heart's structure, muscle movements, valve function, and blood flow. It is used in the early diagnosis of many conditions, including heart failure, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart anomalies. The procedure takes approximately 20–30 minutes and generally requires no special preparation. The results are evaluated by a specialist cardiologist the same day.

What is Echocardiography (ECHO)?

Echocardiography (ECHO) is a radiation-free imaging method that uses ultrasound waves to examine the heart's structure, movement, and blood flow. This method allows for detailed evaluation of the heart walls, valves, intracardiac chambers, and the pumping power of the heart muscle. As one of the most frequently used tests in cardiology, ECHO is crucial both in the diagnosis of heart disease and in monitoring treatment. It is an indispensable method, particularly in the diagnosis of conditions such as heart failure, valvular heart disease, congenital heart anomalies, and pericarditis.

How is an Echocardiogram (ECHO) Performed?

Echocardiography is usually performed with the patient lying supine or in the left lateral position. A special gel is applied to the chest area, and images of the heart are captured using an ultrasound probe. The device sends sound waves to the heart, and the reflected signals transmit the heart's structure to a monitor. The procedure is completely painless and takes approximately 15–30 minutes. During the scan, the cardiologist evaluates the heart wall thickness, the movement of the heart valves, and the strength of the heart muscle contraction. The results are usually interpreted and presented to the patient the same day.

In Which Diseases Is Echocardiography (ECHO) Performed?

Echocardiography is used to evaluate heart valve diseases, heart muscle diseases, heart failure, suspicion of intracardiac clot, congenital heart anomalies, pericardial fluid, post-heart attack contraction disorders, and the effects of hypertension on the heart.

Diseases that are monitored and used with echocardiography:

1. Heart Valve Diseases

● Mitral regurgitation or stenosis
● Aortic stenosis / aortic insufficiency
● Tricuspid regurgitation

2. Heart Failure

● Systolic heart failure
● Diastolic heart failure

3. Congenital Heart Diseases

● ASD – VSD
● Tetralogy of Fallot
● Complex congenital anomalies

4. Heart Muscle Diseases

● Cardiomyopathy
● Myocarditis

5. Pericardial Diseases

● Pericardial effusion
● Constrictive pericarditis

6. Coronary Artery Diseases

● Post-heart attack evaluation
● Wall motion abnormalities

7. Clot – Mass Suspicion

● Intracardiac thrombus
● Tumors such as myxoma

8. Rhythm Disorders

● Atrial fibrillation, post-tachycardia evaluation

9. Pulmonary Hypertension

10. Aortic Diseases

● Aneurysm
● Aortic dissection

11. Prosthetic Valve Checks

12. Effect of Hypertension on the Heart

13. Infective Endocarditis

14. Suspicion of Pulmonary Embolism

For Which Complaints is Echocardiography (ECHO) Performed?

ECO is mostly recommended for the following complaints:

● Chest pain
● Palpitations
● Shortness of breath
● Weakness that develops with exertion
● Swelling in the legs
● Fainting / dizziness
● Hearing a heart murmur

When Should Echocardiography (ECHO) Be Performed?

1. Chest pain

Contraction disorders are evaluated after a heart attack.

2. Shortness of breath

It is checked whether there is heart failure or valve disease.

3. Heart palpitations

The heart chambers are examined for enlargement or clots.

4. In cases of fainting – syncope

5. When a murmur is heard

6. In patients with hypertension

7. Symptoms of heart failure

8. Congenital heart disease is suspected

9. Post-heart attack follow-up

10. Post-infectious heart involvement (endocarditis – myocarditis)

11. If there is a family history of heart disease

12. Follow-up after heart surgery

13. After chest trauma

14. In case of suspicion of pulmonary hypertension

15. Routine screening in risky patients

Preparation Before Echocardiography (ECHO)

● Fasting is not required for standard echocardiography.
● If a TEE is to be performed, 4–6 hours of fasting is required.
● Comfortable clothing is recommended.

What is Seen in Echocardiography (ECHO)?

● Heart chambers
● Wall thickness
● Valve movements
● Heart contraction force (EF)
● Intracardiac clot
● Fluid in the pericardium
● Aortic outlet structures
● Blood flow direction and speed

What to Do After Echocardiography (ECHO)

● You can return to your daily life immediately after the procedure.
● No side effects are observed.
● After TEE, you may experience some short-term throat irritation.

Types of Echocardiography (ECHO)

1. Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)

Standard chest echocardiography.

2. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Provides clearer images of the esophagus.

3. Stress Echocardiography

The heart's performance under stress, whether through exercise or medication, is measured.

4. Contrast Echocardiography

By administering contrast intravenously, the spaces are evaluated more clearly.

5. Doppler Echocardiography

Blood flow velocities and valve leaks are measured.

6. Fetal Echocardiography

During pregnancy, the baby's heart structure is examined.

Advantages of Echocardiography (ECHO)

● Does not contain radiation
● Painless
● Fast
● Heart structure and function are evaluated together
● Provides early diagnosis

Echocardiography (ECHO) Alternative Methods

● Cardiac MRI
● CT angiography
● Cardiac catheterization

Echocardiography (ECHO) Usage Areas

● Emergency room
● Intensive care
● Cardiology
● Cardiac surgery
● Pregnancy follow-up
● Pre-surgical evaluation

Echocardiography (ECO) Social Security and Private Insurance Coverage

SGK covers echocardiography upon request by a cardiologist.
Private hospitals may charge a surcharge.

In Which Department Is Echocardiography (ECHO) Performed?

ECHO is performed in the Cardiology department of hospitals.

Who Should Not Have Echocardiography (ECHO)?

● Standard echocardiography can be performed on anyone.
● TEE is not performed on people with esophageal disease.

What does echocardiography (ECHO) reveal?

● Heart weakness
● Valve diseases
● Intracardiac clot
● Congenital holes
● Pericardial fluid
● Aortic pathologies

Where can I get an echocardiogram (ECHO) done in Ankara?

Echocardiograms are performed in private, public, and university hospitals in Ankara.
Magnet Hospital's Cardiology Department offers same-day echocardiogram appointments and rapid results.

Echocardiography (ECHO) Current Prices 2025

● It is free of charge in public hospitals under the Social Security Institution (SGK).
● Prices vary in private hospitals.
● TEE and stress echocardiography have higher fees.

Echocardiography Ankara Magnet Hospital Same Day Recording

Magnet Hospital performs same-day echocardiography with advanced technology devices and experienced specialists.

Appointment line: 0312 212 80 80

Those Who Had Echocardiography (ECHO) and Their Comments

The procedure is usually performed by patients:

● Painless
● Short-term
● Fast results
● Comfortable

is considered as a method.

Echocardiography Scanning Time, Report and Results

● Shooting: 20–30 minutes
● Report: 1–2 hours
● In urgent cases, results can be provided within minutes

Information Contained in the Echocardiography (ECHO) Report

1. Patient information

2. Heart chambers

3. Cover structures

4. Ejection fraction (EF)

5. Doppler measurements

6. Aorta and vascular evaluation

7. Pericardial findings

8. Conclusion and expert commentary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is echocardiography harmful?
It does not involve radiation and is completely harmless.

When are the echocardiogram results available?
They are usually available the same day.

Which is better, ECHO or ECG?
ECHO shows structure and function; ECG shows rhythm.

How long does an echocardiogram take?
15–30 minutes.

Does echocardiography hurt?
No, it is painless.

Why is a transthoracic echocardiogram performed?
To assess heart valve and heart muscle function.

Does echocardiography reveal vascular occlusion?
It may provide indirect findings, but angiography is required for definitive diagnosis.

What should the EF value be?
55–70% is normal.

Is echocardiography performed on a full or fasted person?
Standard echocardiography is performed on a full stomach; fasting is required for TEE.

Can heart failure be detected on echocardiography?
Yes, it can be detected by a low EF.