{"id":181,"date":"2026-07-09T20:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T20:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/?p=181"},"modified":"2026-07-10T12:01:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T12:01:37","slug":"what-is-an-echocardiogram-and-why-might-your-doctor-order-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/what-is-an-echocardiogram-and-why-might-your-doctor-order-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Might Your Doctor Order One?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Get_Your_Echocardiogram_Results_in_Days.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your doctor just said the word &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/\">echocardiogram<\/a>,&#8221; handed you a requisition, and moved on to the next topic before you could fully process what just happened. Now you&#8217;re sitting in your car, or at home, typing &#8220;what is an echocardiogram&#8221; into your phone &#8211; half reassured that it&#8217;s routine, half worried it means something is actually wrong with your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If that&#8217;s how you landed here, take a breath. An echocardiogram is one of the most common, safest, and non-invasive tests in all of cardiology. This guide explains exactly what it is, why your doctor may have ordered one, what to expect during the test, and \u2014 importantly for anyone in Etobicoke \u2014 how long you can expect to wait for an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Problem: A Confusing Referral and an Anxious Wait<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cardiac referrals have a way of triggering disproportionate worry. Patients often leave their <a href=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/family-doctors.html\">family doctor&#8217;<\/a>s office having heard only the word &#8220;heart&#8221; and very little else. And in much of the GTA, the next step compounds the anxiety: a referral to an off-site diagnostic imaging centre, a multi-week wait for a booking, and then another wait for results to make their way back to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For someone experiencing new symptoms \u2014 a flutter in the chest, unexplained shortness of breath climbing the stairs, or lingering fatigue \u2014 a four-to-six-week wait between referral and results can feel like a long time to sit with uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the exact discovery moment behind most &#8220;echocardiogram Etobicoke&#8221; and &#8220;what is an echocardiogram&#8221; searches: people aren&#8217;t just looking for a textbook definition. They&#8217;re looking for reassurance, a realistic timeline, and ideally, a way to get answers faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is an Echocardiogram, Exactly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An echocardiogram \u2014 often shortened to &#8220;echo&#8221; \u2014 is an ultrasound of the heart. Using the same harmless sound-wave technology used in pregnancy ultrasounds, a technician (called a sonographer) captures real-time, moving images of your heart&#8217;s chambers, valves, and major blood vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike an ECG (electrocardiogram), which measures the heart&#8217;s electrical activity through sticky patches on your chest, an echocardiogram shows the heart&#8217;s actual structure and motion. It answers different questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are the heart&#8217;s four chambers a normal size?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are the valves opening and closing properly, or is there leakage (regurgitation) or narrowing (stenosis)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the heart muscle pumping with normal strength \u2014 a measurement doctors call the &#8220;ejection fraction&#8221;?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there any fluid around the heart, or evidence of prior damage?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s no radiation involved, no needles, and no sedation. Most echocardiograms take between 30 and 60 minutes, and you can drive yourself home immediately afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Would a Family Doctor Order One?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is usually the real question behind the search. An echocardiogram referral doesn&#8217;t automatically mean something is wrong \u2014 it means your doctor wants a clearer structural picture before ruling things in or out. Common reasons include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A heart murmur detected during a routine physical.<\/strong> Many murmurs are entirely benign \u2014 simply the sound of normal blood flow \u2014 but an echo confirms this rather than leaving it to guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unexplained shortness of breath.<\/strong> Especially with exertion, this is one of the most common reasons for a cardiac workup, since it can stem from several different heart or lung-related causes an echo can help distinguish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.<\/strong> If you&#8217;ve felt your heart skip, race, or flutter, an echo helps rule out structural causes, often alongside a Holter monitor for rhythm tracking over a longer period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up after a heart attack or known cardiac event.<\/strong> Echo is a standard tool for monitoring recovery and heart muscle function over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>High blood pressure with long-standing history.<\/strong> Sustained hypertension can thicken the heart wall over years, and an echo helps track whether this is occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Family history of cardiomyopathy or structural heart disease.<\/strong> In these cases, an echo may be ordered proactively, even without symptoms, simply as a precaution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A pre-existing valve condition that needs monitoring.<\/strong> Some valve issues are watched over years rather than treated immediately, and periodic echoes track whether anything is changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Expect During the Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;ve never had one, the actual experience is refreshingly low-key. You&#8217;ll lie on an exam table, usually on your left side, with your chest exposed. The sonographer applies a small amount of gel and moves a handheld probe (called a transducer) across your chest to capture images from several angles. You may hear whooshing sounds \u2014 that&#8217;s simply the Doppler function picking up blood flow, not a malfunction of any kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You won&#8217;t need to fast, adjust medications, or arrange a ride home. Results are then reviewed by a cardiologist or your ordering physician, who interprets the images and measurements against your specific symptoms and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Echocardiogram vs. ECG &#8211; Why You Might Need Both<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-15-1024x572.png\" alt=\"What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Might Your Doctor Order One?\" class=\"wp-image-184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-15-1024x572.png 1024w, https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-15-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-15-768x429.png 768w, https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-15.png 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patients often assume an ECG (electrocardiogram) and an echocardiogram are interchangeable, since both involve the word &#8220;cardio&#8221; and both are ordered for similar symptoms. They&#8217;re not the same test, and one doesn&#8217;t replace the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ECG is quick \u2014 often five minutes \u2014 and tracks the heart&#8217;s electrical rhythm using electrodes on the skin. It&#8217;s excellent for catching arrhythmias in the moment, but it tells you nothing about the heart&#8217;s physical structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An echocardiogram is longer and shows the heart&#8217;s actual anatomy: chamber size, valve function, and pumping strength. Many cardiac workups involve both tests together, precisely because they answer different halves of the same question \u2014 is the heart&#8217;s <em>rhythm<\/em> normal, and is its <em>structure<\/em> normal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Wait Time for This Test Matters More Than People Realize<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s something rarely discussed openly: the anxiety of waiting for a cardiac test can, in itself, worsen symptoms like palpitations and chest tightness through stress alone. A four-to-six-week wait for an off-site echo booking isn&#8217;t just an inconvenience \u2014 for someone genuinely worried about their heart, it&#8217;s weeks of disrupted sleep, restricted activity, and low-grade dread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where an on-site, Accreditation Canada-licensed echocardiography lab \u2014 like the one at <a href=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/\"><strong>Marklandwood Medical Clinic<\/strong> on Bloor Street West <\/a>\u2014 changes the equation. Rather than a separate referral to an outside diagnostic imaging centre, patients can have the test performed directly at the clinic, with results reviewed and communicated back through the same physician who ordered it. It&#8217;s a meaningful difference for anyone in Etobicoke who wants clarity in days, not a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Results Actually Mean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most echocardiogram results fall into one of three categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Normal.<\/strong> The heart&#8217;s chambers, valves, and pumping function are all within expected ranges \u2014 the most common outcome for symptoms driven by anxiety, deconditioning, or non-cardiac causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mild or age-related findings.<\/strong> Slight valve thickening or minor regurgitation is extremely common, particularly with age, and often requires nothing more than periodic monitoring rather than treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Findings that need follow-up.<\/strong> Reduced pumping strength, significant valve narrowing, or chamber enlargement typically leads to a referral to a cardiologist for further management \u2014 but even in this scenario, an early, clear answer allows treatment to start sooner rather than being delayed by a long wait for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do With Your Referral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-19-1024x572.png\" alt=\"What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Might Your Doctor Order One?\" class=\"wp-image-185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-19-1024x572.png 1024w, https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-19-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-19-768x429.png 768w, https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-19.png 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your <a href=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/family-doctors.html\">family physician in Etobicoke<\/a> has already handed you a requisition for an echocardiogram, the practical next step is simply this: ask whether the test can be performed on-site at your clinic rather than through an external diagnostic centre. If your doctor practises at a clinic without in-house cardiac imaging, you may be waiting several weeks through a referral pathway that isn&#8217;t strictly necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Marklandwood Medical Clinic, patients referred for an echocardiogram \u2014 whether by their family doctor at the clinic or through the walk-in service \u2014 can typically have the test performed in the same building, with results reviewed by the ordering physician directly. If you&#8217;re in Etobicoke and have been told you need a cardiac ultrasound, calling ahead at (416) 695-8878 to ask about on-site echo availability is worth the two minutes it takes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is an echocardiogram used for?<\/strong> An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart used to assess the size of its chambers, the function of its valves, and how strongly the heart muscle is pumping. It helps doctors diagnose or rule out a wide range of structural heart conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is an echocardiogram painful?<\/strong> No. It involves a handheld ultrasound probe moved across the chest with a small amount of gel \u2014 there&#8217;s no needle, no radiation, and no discomfort beyond mild pressure from the probe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long does an echocardiogram take?<\/strong> Most echocardiograms take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many views the sonographer needs to capture clear images of the heart&#8217;s structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need to prepare for an echocardiogram, like fasting?<\/strong> No special preparation is typically required. You can eat, drink, and take your regular medications beforehand unless your doctor specifically instructs otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What&#8217;s the difference between an echocardiogram and an ECG?<\/strong> An ECG measures the heart&#8217;s electrical activity and rhythm using skin electrodes, while an echocardiogram uses ultrasound to show the heart&#8217;s physical structure and pumping motion. They answer different clinical questions and are often ordered together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why did my doctor order an echocardiogram if I feel fine?<\/strong> Echocardiograms are often ordered proactively \u2014 for a newly detected heart murmur, a family history of heart disease, or long-standing high blood pressure \u2014 even in the absence of noticeable symptoms, simply to establish a clear structural baseline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long does it take to get an echocardiogram in Etobicoke?<\/strong> Wait times vary significantly depending on whether the test is performed on-site at your clinic or through a referral to an external diagnostic imaging centre. Clinics with an in-house, accredited echo lab can often perform the test within days rather than the four-to-six-week wait common with outside referrals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can a family doctor perform or order an echocardiogram, or do I need a cardiologist?<\/strong> A family doctor can order an echocardiogram directly. Results are typically reviewed either by the ordering physician or a cardiologist, and a referral to a cardiologist is only needed if the results show something requiring specialist management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What does a heart murmur mean, and does it always require an echocardiogram?<\/strong> A heart murmur is simply an extra or unusual sound during a heartbeat, often caused by normal blood flow turbulence. Many murmurs are entirely benign, but an echocardiogram is the standard way to confirm this rather than leave it undiagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is an echocardiogram covered by OHIP?<\/strong> Yes, echocardiograms ordered by a physician for a medical reason are covered under OHIP for eligible Ontario residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is an ejection fraction, and why does it matter?<\/strong> Ejection fraction is a measurement from your echocardiogram showing what percentage of blood the heart&#8217;s main pumping chamber pushes out with each beat. It&#8217;s one of the key numbers doctors use to assess how efficiently your heart is functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can anxiety cause symptoms similar to what an echocardiogram is meant to detect?<\/strong> Yes. Palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath can all stem from anxiety rather than a structural heart problem, which is precisely why an echocardiogram is useful \u2014 it helps distinguish a structural cause from a non-cardiac one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What happens if my echocardiogram results are abnormal?<\/strong> Depending on the finding, your doctor may recommend monitoring with a repeat echo down the line, start medication, or refer you to a cardiologist for further evaluation and management. Many abnormal findings are mild and manageable rather than urgent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need a referral for an echocardiogram, or can I request one directly?<\/strong> In Ontario, echocardiograms require a physician&#8217;s order. If you have symptoms or risk factors you&#8217;re concerned about, raise them with your family doctor or a walk-in physician, who can determine whether the test is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How often should someone with a known heart condition get an echocardiogram?<\/strong> This varies by condition and is determined by your physician, but many patients with monitored valve issues or prior cardiac events are re-tested anywhere from annually to every few years, depending on stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is a Holter monitor the same as an echocardiogram?<\/strong> No. A Holter monitor is a portable device worn for 24 to 48 hours to track your heart&#8217;s electrical rhythm over time, while an echocardiogram is a single-session ultrasound assessing the heart&#8217;s structure. They&#8217;re often used together for a fuller cardiac picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I get an echocardiogram done quickly in Etobicoke?<\/strong> Ask your family doctor whether their clinic has an in-house, accredited echocardiography lab. Marklandwood Medical Clinic on Bloor Street West operates one on-site, which can significantly shorten the wait between referral and results compared to external diagnostic imaging centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your doctor just said the word &#8220;echocardiogram,&#8221; handed you a requisition, and moved on to the next topic before you could fully process what just happened. Now you&#8217;re sitting in your car, or at home, typing &#8220;what is an echocardiogram&#8221; into your phone &#8211; half reassured that it&#8217;s routine, half worried it means something is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":183,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,8],"tags":[10,9,11,12],"class_list":["post-181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-echocardiogram","tag-echocardiogram-brampton","tag-echocardiogram-etobicoke","tag-echocardiogram-mississauga","tag-echocardiogram-toronto"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Might Your Doctor Order One? - Blog marklandwood<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/marklandwood.ca\/blog\/what-is-an-echocardiogram-and-why-might-your-doctor-order-one\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Might Your Doctor Order One? - Blog marklandwood\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Your doctor just said the word &#8220;echocardiogram,&#8221; handed you a requisition, and moved on to the next topic before you could fully process what just happened. 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