An echocardiogram (echo) uses soundwaves to visualise the heart's structure and function — assessing valve disease, heart muscle function, and congenital abnormalities without radiation.
An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound examination of the heart — using high-frequency soundwaves to generate real-time images of the heart's structure and function. It is the single most important cardiac diagnostic tool, providing information on ventricular size and function, valve structure and function, pericardial effusion, congenital heart abnormalities, and overall cardiac haemodynamics — all without radiation and with excellent safety.
The most common type is transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) — performed by placing an ultrasound probe on the chest wall with gel. A Doppler echocardiogram adds colour and spectral Doppler to measure blood flow velocities across valves. Stress echocardiography (exercise or pharmacological stress with dobutamine) tests cardiac function under stress to evaluate coronary artery disease. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE/TEE) involves swallowing a miniaturised probe — providing superior image quality for assessing valve disease (particularly mitral valve), aortic pathology, atrial septal defects, and cardiac thrombus.
In Korea, echocardiography is performed at all major cardiac centres (including Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, and Severance Hospital), children's hospitals (paediatric echocardiography), and numerous private cardiology clinics. Specialist cardiac sonographers and cardiologists perform and interpret studies. Echocardiography is indicated for evaluation of murmurs, heart failure, palpitations, atrial fibrillation, congenital heart disease, and monitoring valvular disease. A standard resting TTE takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Key Points
- No radiation — safe for all ages including pregnancy and children
- Assesses heart muscle function, valves, and congenital abnormalities
- Doppler measures blood flow velocities across heart valves
- Stress echo assesses coronary artery disease under exercise or drug stress
- TOE/TEE provides superior image quality for valves and aorta
- Available at major cardiac centres, children's hospitals, and private cardiology clinics in Korea
When to See a Doctor
- Heart murmur detected on clinical examination
- Symptoms of heart failure (breathlessness, ankle swelling, fatigue)
- Atrial fibrillation — to assess left ventricular function and atrial size
- After heart attack to assess myocardial damage
- Pre-operative cardiac assessment for major surgery
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025