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An echocardiography or echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It is a type of medical imaging of the heart. Echocardiography has become routinely used in the diagnosis, management and follow up of patients with any suspected or known heart disease.

No, the procedure itself does not hurt. The procedure might be uncomfortable, cold, and wet due to the ultrasound gel used to obtain images.

The echocardiogram is performed at the consultations rooms or at bedside if needed.

The short answer is “no”. The procedure itself can not detect whether or not arteries might be blocked. We are only able to visualize the cardiac structures of the heart (walls and valves).

An electrocardiogram or ECG is the process of recording the heart’s electrical activity. The electrical activity of the heart is detected by applying electrodes on specific areas of the skin. An ECG is used to detect a wide range of cardiac abnormalities such as rhythm abnormalities, inadequate coronary artery blood flow and electrolyte disturbances.

With a stress ECG, an ECG is performed according to a predetermined protocol where the patient is required to walk on a treadmill for as long as possible.

With Holter ECG monitoring the patient is connected to a small portable monitor for a period of 24hrs or 48 hrs. During this period of time the patient’s ECG is continuously recorded over the set amount of time and analyzed once the monitor is removed.

During a Stress ECG you as a patient will be required to walk or even run for a few minutes. It is advisable to bring comfortable clothing and shoes for this exercise.

With a Holter ECG monitor the patient will wear a monitor for up to 48 hrs. During this period bathing and showering will strongly be prohibited due to electronics of the monitors used. A patient is, however, allowed to wash but caution should be taken not to get the monitor wet during this period.

I am currently in private practice at Zuid Afrikaans Hospital since 2017. I do however travel around Pretoria for echocardiograms if the need arise and the patient is admitted to hospital.

No initial payment or consulting fee is required. A claim will be sent directly to the patient’s medical aid. In the case of a private patient a quotation will be given before the tests are done.