Transthoracic Echocardiogram (Echo Scan) in Cork
A relatively painless scan of your heart
- Echo scan appointments in one week
- No radiation, no needles, no downtime
- GP referral needed. Do not have one? Our in-house GP can consult you and arrange your scan.
Echocardiogram
Our experienced cardiac specialists provide high-quality echocardiography services to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Book your scan online or speak with our team for personalised assistance.
Price: €235 per scan
Or call us, we will help you book.
Do Not Have a GP Referral? We Can Help.
An echocardiogram needs a GP referral before your scan can go ahead. If you already have one from your own GP, you can book directly with us. If you do not, our GP at Link Healthcare can see you for a consultation, assess whether an echo scan is right for you, and arrange the referral and appointment in one visit.
This means you can go from first enquiry to booked scan without having to chase a referral elsewhere.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often shortened to “echo,” is an scan of your heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving images of your heart on a screen, showing its structure and how well it is working in real time.
The scan is safe, relatively painless, and uses no radiation. It is one of the most common tests used to investigate heart symptoms and is suitable for most people, including those who are pregnant.
At Link Healthcare in Cork, we carry out transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), the standard type of echo scan, where the probe is placed on your chest.
What Our Echo Scan Includes:
Each echocardiogram at Link Healthcare is a comprehensive cardiac ultrasound assessment. The following components are evaluated during your scan:
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
Standard 2D and 3D cardiac assessment of your heart’s overall structure and function.
Doppler Echocardiography
Measures blood flow through your heart, including valve pressure gradients and detection of regurgitation (blood flowing in the wrong direction).
Left Ventricular Function
Assessment of ejection fraction (how much blood the heart pumps with each beat) and wall motion analysis to identify areas of weakness or damage.
Right Heart Assessment
Evaluation of right ventricular size, function, and pulmonary pressures (RVSP), which can indicate conditions such as pulmonary hypertension.
Valve Disease Evaluation
Grading of stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (leaking) across all four heart valves: mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary.
Pericardial Assessment
Detection and characterisation of pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart).
Aortic Root Measurement
Measurement of the aortic root to monitor for aneurysm or dilatation, relevant for people with certain genetic conditions or a history of aortic disease.
All scans are reported by a consultant cardiologist.
What the Scan Can and Cannot Show
What an Echo Scan Can Assess
- The size and shape of your heart chambers
- How well your heart valves are opening and closing
- The thickness and movement of your heart muscle
- How effectively your heart is pumping blood (ejection fraction)
- Blood flow through the heart̵
- Fluid around the heart
- Signs of damage from a previous heart attack
- Congenital heart conditions
What an Echo Scan Cannot Show
An echocardiogram does not assess every aspect of heart health. It cannot directly show:
- Blockages in the coronary arteries (a CT coronary angiogram is used for this)
- Heart rhythm problems over time (an ECG or Holter monitor is used for this)
If your symptoms suggest one of these issues, your GP or our cardiologist may recommend a different test.
Why Your Doctor Might Recommend an Echocardiogram
Common symptoms that lead to an echo scan referral:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Tiredness or reduced ability to exercise
- Dizziness or fainting
- A heart murmur picked up by your doctor
Conditions an echo scan is used to investigate or monitor:
- Heart valve problems (such as a leaky or narrowed valve)
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Damage following a heart attack
- Congenital heart defects
- Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)
- High blood pressure that may be affecting the heart
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Scan
No fasting or special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications as normal. We do ask that you:
- Wear comfortable clothing (you will be asked to undress from the waist up)
- Avoid applying lotions, creams, or oils to your chest on the day
- Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment
During Your Scan
You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on an examination couch, usually on your left side. Small electrodes are placed on your chest to track your heart rhythm during the scan. A water-based gel is applied to your chest, and the sonographer moves an ultrasound probe across the area to capture images from different angles.
You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath at certain points. The scan usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
After Your Scan
The gel is wiped off, you get dressed, and you can go straight back to your normal day. There is no recovery time and no restrictions on driving, work, or activity.
Your Results
Your scan images are reviewed by a consultant cardiologist, who prepares a full report. The report is sent to your referring GP, who will go through the findings with you and explain what they mean for your care. If you saw our in-house GP for the referral, we will arrange a follow-up to discuss the results.
Book Your Echo Scan
Choose a time that works for you, fill in your details, and book your slot. Payment is taken in person at the end of your appointment.
- Pick a time
- fill in details
- Confirm your slot
- Pay in person
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an echocardiogram cost at Link Healthcare?
An echo scan at Link Healthcare in Cork costs €235. This includes the scan and the cardiologist’s report.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We offer echocardiogram appointments within one week.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes, an echocardiogram requires a GP referral. If you do not have one, our in-house GP at Link Healthcare can consult with you and arrange the referral and your scan appointment in the same visit.
Is the scan painful?
No. An echocardiogram is relatively painless. You may feel light pressure from the probe on your chest and the gel can feel cool when first applied.
Is it safe?
Yes. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound, the same technology used in pregnancy scans. There is no radiation and no known clinically significant risk.
How long does the appointment take?
The scan itself takes 30 to 60 minutes. We recommend allowing a little extra time for check-in.
What is the difference between an ECG and an echocardiogram?
An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart and is used to look at heart rhythm. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan that shows the structure of your heart and how well it is pumping. The two tests look at different things and are sometimes used together.
Is the scan covered by health insurance?
Many Irish health insurance policies cover echocardiograms when referred by a GP. We recommend checking directly with your provider before your appointment, as cover varies by plan.
How do I prepare for an echo scan?
No special preparation is needed. Eat, drink and take your medications as normal. Wear comfortable clothing, ideally a two-piece outfit, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown for the scan.
When will my results be ready?
Your scan is reviewed by a cardiologist and the report is sent to your referring GP within 72 hours.