Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
An echocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. It allows your cardiologist to see how your heart is pumping, check the heart valves, and assess the overall health of your heart.
You may be recommended an echocardiogram if you have:
An echocardiogram provides detailed insight into your heart’s structure and function. It can help detect:
An echocardiogram is a simple, non-invasive scan that lets your doctor observe your heart in real time. It typically takes 20 – 30 minutes and does not require sedation.
Most echocardiograms require little to no preparation, but your doctor may advise:
During the scan:
After the scan, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately and no recovery time is required. Your cardiologist will review the images and discuss any findings with you.
Your echocardiogram provides a detailed look at how your heart is functioning. It can show:
Your cardiologist will explain what the results mean for your heart health and recommend any next steps or treatments if needed.
Based on your echocardiogram, your doctor may suggest:
No, an echocardiogram is painless and non-invasive. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
No special preparation is needed for a standard echocardiogram. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications as normal.
Yes, you will need to remove clothing from your upper body so that our female technician can access your chest.
An ECG shows how your heart is beating and can detect rhythm problems or irregular heartbeats. An echocardiogram, on the other hand, creates moving pictures of your heart, showing how well it pumps, the condition of your valves, and if there are structural issues.
Dr Pinakin can usually review the results within 24 hours and explain what they mean for your heart health.
Yes, Medisave can usually be used for the echocardiogram subject to your annual withdrawal limits. Insurance coverage may vary. Sometimes a referral is needed to claim, and regular screening tests may not be reimbursed. Please reach out to our clinic for guidance on your specific situation.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
