What is an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)? What it checks, how a transoesophageal echo differs, and public or private in Hong Kong
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to examine the heart's structure and function, assessing heart muscle and pumping function, how the heart valves open and close or whether they are defective, and whether blood flow in the heart is abnormal (St. Paul's Hospital, accessed October 2026); St. Paul's Hospital states that a transoesophageal echocardiogram needs a hospital stay and uses an ultrasound endoscope passed through the mouth into the oesophagus. Whether to have one, and which, is decided by the doctor according to the condition.
What is an echocardiogram and what does it check?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to examine the heart's structure and function; it can assess heart muscle function, pumping function, how the heart valves open and close or whether they are defective, and diagnose abnormal blood flow in the heart, and it is also used to assess heart function before and after surgery (St. Paul's Hospital, accessed October 2026).
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road describes an echocardiogram as using ultrasound images to look at the heart's structure and function, such as the heart valves, the size of the ventricles and the strength of contraction (accessed October 2026).
The Primary Healthcare Commission's Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings (2021 revised edition) lists left ventricular hypertrophy, shown on an ECG or echocardiogram, as heart damage that high blood pressure can cause; the framework is written for primary care practitioners, and individual cases are decided by the treating doctor.
How does an echocardiogram differ from a transoesophageal echocardiogram? The example of St. Paul's Hospital
The CUHK Medical Centre Cardiology Centre lists transthoracic, transoesophageal and stress echocardiography among its services (accessed October 2026); the table sets out the two tests from St. Paul's Hospital's published descriptions.
| Test | How it is done | Use stated by the hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | A non-invasive test that examines the heart with ultrasound | Assessing heart muscle and pumping function, how the valves open and close or whether they are defective, and diagnosing abnormal blood flow in the heart; also used to assess heart function before and after surgery |
| Transoesophageal echocardiogram | Needs a hospital stay; an ultrasound endoscope is passed from the mouth into the oesophagus close to the heart | Mainly for diagnosing congenital heart disease (such as atrial or ventricular septal defects), heart tumours or clots, inflammation of the heart valves, aortic dissection and similar conditions |
Where can I have an echocardiogram? Public or private?
To book a new case at a public hospital specialist outpatient clinic, a referral letter issued by a locally registered doctor within the last three months is required (Hospital Authority, January 2018); for public cardiology waiting arrangements and fees see public cardiology waiting time vs private.
For private hospital and medical centre echocardiogram fees see heart test fees; the CUHK Medical Centre Cardiology Centre has designated fees for patients holding a valid Hospital Authority referral letter, who must show the original letter (CUHK Medical Centre, accessed October 2026). For general ultrasound scans such as of the abdomen see ultrasound scan.
Who decides whether I need an echocardiogram, and who explains the report?
Whether to have an echocardiogram, and which kind, is decided by the doctor according to the condition; the report is interpreted by the doctor who arranged the test, and individual cases are decided by the treating doctor. Requirements before the test differ between hospitals; follow the instructions of the hospital where you book.
For choosing a cardiologist see how to choose a cardiologist; for the test that records the heart's electrical activity see ECG test.
Frequently asked questions
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to examine the heart's structure and function, assessing heart muscle and pumping function, how the valves open and close or whether they are defective, and whether blood flow in the heart is abnormal (St. Paul's Hospital, accessed October 2026).
Taking St. Paul's Hospital as an example, do I need to stay in hospital for an echocardiogram?
St. Paul's Hospital lists a transoesophageal echocardiogram as a test that needs a hospital stay, with an ultrasound endoscope passed through the mouth into the oesophagus; the hospital lists an echocardiogram as a non-invasive test (accessed October 2026). Follow the instructions of the hospital where you book.
An echocardiogram found a heart valve problem: which doctor explains it?
The report is interpreted by the doctor who arranged the test, and the next steps are decided by the treating doctor according to the condition; for choosing a cardiologist see how to choose a cardiologist.