Echocardiogram in Milan

• DurationAbout 30 minutes
• PreparationNone
• ReportAt the end of your appointment

What it is for

The scan makes it possible to assess:

• the size of the heart and the thickness of its walls, which can increase, for example, with high blood pressure;
• its pumping function, expressed as the ejection fraction;
• how the valves work, whether they are narrowed or do not close properly;
• the pericardium, the membrane around the heart;
• indirectly, the pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs.

When it is recommended

• A heart murmur heard during a consultation
• Shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, swollen ankles
• High blood pressure, to assess its effects on the heart
• Known valve disease that needs follow-up
• After a heart attack, in heart failure or with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation
• Before strenuous exercise or certain treatments

How it works

You lie on the couch, usually on your left side. I place a probe with a little gel on your chest: the ultrasound creates images of the heart on the screen, while Doppler imaging shows the direction and speed of blood flow.

It is a painless and safe test: it does not use radiation and can be repeated as often as needed, including in pregnancy.

How to prepare

No preparation is needed: you do not need to fast and you can take your medicines as usual. Please bring any previous echocardiograms: comparing results over time often provides the most useful information.

Where I see patients and how to book

I see patients at my clinic in Via Giuseppe Balzaretti 28 and at the Policlinico di Milano – Clinica Mangiagalli. See the booking page to choose a location and arrange your appointment.

Consultations are available in English, Italian or Spanish. You do not need a referral from your GP.