Chalkida Practice - IASO General Clinic 694 702 4126 22210 26814email: d.gerontitis@gmail.com
DIMITRIOS GERONTITISMD, MRCP (UK) · ECES · ECDSCARDIOLOGIST · ARRHYTHMIA SPECIALISTINTERVENTIONAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST
Non-invasive services

Echocardiography

Ultrasound assessment of the heart's anatomy, function and valves.

Transthoracic echocardiogram
Understanding the service

What is it and what is its purpose?

A transthoracic echocardiogram uses ultrasound to visualise the chambers, walls, valves and blood flow. It is painless and uses no radiation.

Echocardiography shows heart structure and function: chamber size, contraction, valves, pressures and blood flow. It is used both for diagnosis and to assess changes in known heart disease.

How it is performed

  1. 01

    You usually lie on your left side.

  2. 02

    An ultrasound probe is placed at specific points on the chest with a small amount of gel.

  3. 03

    Ventricular function, dimensions, valves and blood flow are assessed.

The patient experience

What to expect, step by step

Understanding the procedure helps you arrive better prepared and with greater confidence.

Transthoracic echocardiogram
Ultrasound creates moving images of the heart and valves and measures the direction and speed of blood flow.
01

On the day of your investigation or treatment

You remove clothing from the waist up and usually lie on your left side. A small amount of gel is applied and the probe moved to specific chest positions. You may be asked to briefly change your breathing or position for clearer images.

BEFORE

Preparation

No special preparation or fasting is required for a routine transthoracic echocardiogram.

AFTER

The first few hours

The test requires no sedation and uses no radiation. The gel is removed and you can leave immediately. Findings are explained in the context of your history and other tests.

RETURN

Back to everyday life

There are no restrictions after a routine transthoracic echocardiogram. If an abnormality is found, advice covers activity, medication or the timing of repeat imaging.

Important

Image quality is affected by individual anatomy, but the necessary information can usually be obtained. Your treating team's individual instructions always take priority over the general information on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers before your appointment

Will it hurt?

Most non-invasive investigations are painless. You may feel only mild pressure from the ultrasound probe, blood pressure cuff or adhesive electrodes.

Should I stop my medication?

Not without specific medical instructions. Anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, diabetes medicines and other treatments may require special management, tailored to each patient and procedure.

When will I know the result?

Some results are available immediately, while recordings such as Holter or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring require full analysis. The results and next steps will be discussed at the agreed time.

When is urgent help needed?

New severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or persistent neurological symptoms require an immediate call to 112. Do not report these through the contact form.

Information sources

Based on reliable patient information

The content has been adapted for patients and clinical practice. It is not individual medical advice.

Individual assessment

Discuss whether this service is right for you.

Assessment by Dimitrios Gerontitis, cardiologist and arrhythmia specialist, in Chalkida or Marousi, Athens (IASO). View practice telephone numbers and addresses.

Book an appointment online