Heart ultrasound · Riga, Purvciems
Echocardiography (echo) is an ultrasound examination that helps the doctor assess the structure of the heart and how it works: chamber size, valve condition and pumping function. The examination is painless and involves no X-ray radiation.
No referral needed
Report on the day of the examination
What the doctor assesses
Ultrasound lets the doctor see the heart in motion — as it contracts and relaxes. During the examination the doctor assesses the structure and function of the heart in several ways.
The doctor measures the atria and ventricles. Changes in their size help show whether the heart is working under strain.
The thickness of the heart muscle is assessed, along with whether different parts of the walls contract evenly.
How effectively the heart pumps blood. One of the measurements is the ejection fraction (explained below).
How the valves open and close: whether there is narrowing (stenosis) or backflow of blood (regurgitation).
Doppler mode shows the direction and speed of blood flow — this helps assess how the valves and chambers are working.
It can show a build-up of fluid around the heart, in the pericardial sac.
What is ejection fraction. It is the share of blood that the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction, compared with the volume it held. The measurement helps assess pumping function, but the doctor interprets it together with other findings, your symptoms and the examination.
Echo provides a lot of information, but it does not answer every question about the heart. For example, assessing heart rhythm or the coronary arteries may require other tests — the doctor chooses them.
Indications
Echocardiography is usually requested to check whether symptoms are related to the heart, or to assess heart function when a problem is already known. Whether the examination is needed is decided by the doctor, based on indications.
Symptoms that need a doctor's assessmentShortness of breath, reduced tolerance of exertion, swelling, a feeling of irregular heartbeat. Echo helps clarify whether there are changes in the structure or function of the heart.A heart murmur or changes in previous testsFor example, if a doctor heard a murmur during an examination or noticed changes on an ECG.Monitoring of a diagnosed conditionWith valve disease, heart failure or other known problems, the doctor may request a follow-up examination.Follow-up after a heart attack or other proceduresThe timing and frequency of repeat examinations are determined by the treating doctor according to an individual plan.Assessment before surgeryIf the doctor considers it necessary to assess heart function before a planned procedure.How often to repeat itThere is no single schedule that suits everyone: whether a repeat examination is needed, and when, is decided by the doctor based on your situation.Who performs the examination
Echocardiography at Grand Medical is performed by cardiologists. If you are not sure which doctor to see, our reception will help you choose a doctor and a convenient time.
Certified cardiologist
Cardiology consultations and echocardiography for adults, including Doppler measurements.
Cardiologist
Diagnostic cardiologist with many years of experience. Echocardiography (echo) for adults.
Certified cardiologist
Cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, echocardiography specialist.
Step by step
Grand Medical performs a standard transthoracic echo — the probe is placed on the skin of the chest. Here is what the visit looks like, from booking to the report.
Online, by phone or on WhatsApp. Reception will answer organisational questions and, if needed, give individual instructions.
The doctor asks what brings you in and looks at previous results if you have brought them.
You undress to the waist and lie on the couch — on your back or your left side. The doctor applies gel and moves the probe over the skin of the chest.
You receive a diagnostic report on the day of the examination and learn what further steps may be needed.
What the patient feels. The examination is painless: no injections and no anaesthesia. You may feel the coolness of the gel and light pressure from the probe. Sometimes the doctor asks you to turn or hold your breath for a few seconds — this gives a clearer image. You can return to your usual activities straight after.
Quick guide
A routine echo does not require complicated preparation. A few simple steps will help the visit go smoothly and give the doctor all the information needed.
Reports from previous echo examinations, for comparison over time.ECG and Holter results, if you have them.Hospital discharge summaries and reports from other doctors.A list of the medicines you take, with doses.After the examination
After the examination the doctor prepares a diagnostic report — you receive it the same day.
Echocardiography can be done on its own or as part of a comprehensive check-up. More about the Check-up “Heart” programme.
Echo findings are considered together with your symptoms, the examination and other tests. A normal result does not rule out every possible heart problem — sometimes additional tests are needed.
The echo report describes the results of the examination. If you need a review of your overall situation and treatment recommendations, book a cardiologist consultation — this is a separate service.
Equipment
At Grand Medical, echocardiography is performed on the GE Vivid T8 ultrasound system. Ultrasound shows the heart in real time: the doctor sees how the walls contract and the valves work, and Doppler mode helps assess blood movement inside the heart.
Image quality depends not only on the equipment but also on individual factors such as body build. The final report is always written by the doctor.
Diagnostic methods
These tests answer different questions and often complement each other. You do not need to have all three “just in case”: the doctor chooses the method for the specific question.
Price
85 €
Ultrasound examination of the heart and a diagnostic report on the day of the examination. Booking without a referral.
Additional services — for example, a cardiologist consultation or other examinations — are agreed and paid for separately.
The clinic works with the insurance companies Balta, Seesam and BTA. Coverage depends on the terms of your policy — check with your insurer before your visit or ask reception when booking.
Grand Medical is entered in the register of medical institutions under number 001000286.
FAQ
Yes. Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart. It is also called “heart ultrasound”, “echo” or simply “ECHO”.
No, you can book an echo without a referral. If you have one, bring it with you — this lets the doctor see the referring specialist’s question.
The appointment takes about 15 minutes. Reception will confirm the exact length of the visit when you book.
For a standard transthoracic echo — as a rule, no: you can eat and drink as usual. If you have been given individual instructions, follow them.
No. Echo uses ultrasound; there is no X-ray radiation during the examination.
On the day of the examination.
The clinic works with Balta, Seesam and BTA. Coverage depends on your policy — check with your insurer or ask reception when booking.
The €85 price includes the examination and the diagnostic report. A cardiologist consultation with a review of your situation and treatment recommendations is a separate service. If you would like to combine it with the examination, tell us when you book.
Reviews
I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I could book — especially since I was in Latvia for only a couple of days. Very convenient.
I have had ultrasounds in many places, but I have never met such an attentive and professional approach. Everything was explained, questions were answered, and you can feel the care for the patient.
Booking
Choose a convenient way: a booking portal, phone, WhatsApp or a request on the website — reception will contact you and help find a time.
Book online
Can't find a suitable time, or are all slots taken? Contact us — we'll help you book an appointment.
Leave your contact details — reception will contact you during working hours and confirm the visit. A request is not yet a booking for a specific time.
By submitting the request, you agree to the personal data processing policy.
Grand Medical
Services
Grand Medical is not only heart diagnostics. Here are the clinic’s main areas.
Good to know
Ļauj atklāt aterosklerozi, trombus, aneirismas un citas patoloģijas. Tiek izmantota slimību diagnosticēšanai, kā arī profilaktiskajiem izmeklējumiem, īpaši cilvēkiem ar riska faktoriem.
