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Diagnosis

Discover how simple tests diagnose Heart Valve Disease, most importantly the Echocardiogram (Echo)

What to expect from a heart checkup

Getting a heart check doesn’t need to be daunting, watch John's visit to Dr. Jim Stewart below.

A routine check up with your GP can often reveal the first sign of valve disease. When a doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope, they may hear an unusual sound, known as a heart murmur. 

If a heart murmur is heard a common test to see if there are any problems with your heart valves is a an echocardiogram.1

What is a heart murmur?2

A heart murmur may sound scary, but most heart murmurs are not a cause for concern.

Some heart murmurs are known as innocent murmurs and are harmless. Others, may indicate a more serious problem, like heart valve disease.

A heart murmur is just an irregularity in the sound your blood makes as it rushes through the four chambers of your heart, in hearts without murmurs, blood flows smoothly and quietly.2

What does a murmur sound like?

What is an Echo?3

An Echocardiogram (Echo) is an ultrasound test that looks at the function of your heart. If your doctor hears a murmur, they may refer you for an Echo.

  • The size and shape of your heart
  • How your heart moves
  • The hearts pumping strength
  • If the heart valves are working correctly
  • Blood is leaking backwards through your heart valves (regurgitation)
  • If the heart valves are too narrow/ not opening correctly (stenosis)

What should I expect during my Echo?

Your heart will be scanned using a small ultrasound wand, that is moved across the surface of your chest to capture images of your heart.

Old man touching his chest

This is a painless3 test that usually takes no longer than half an hour. Your cardiologist will talk to you after reviewing your Echo images, and discuss what the pictures show and what the next steps are. A copy of your results will be sent to your GP.

If I’m diagnosed with Heart Valve Disease how often should I get an Echo?

Heart Valve Disease can often be progressive so follow up echos are important to see if your disease has progressed.4 Guidelines for the most common Heart Valve Disease, Aortic Stenosis are as follows:

Severity:

Mild

Every 3 to 5 years

Moderate

Every 1 to 2 years

Severe

Every 6 to 12 months5

Echocardiogram is a common way to diagnose and track how your disease is progressing.*

Where can I get an Echo?

Echos are offered by both public and private health providers. Public waitlists can be long, if getting a private echo is an option for you, use the tool below to find your nearest private echo provider. Your GP can refer you directly to one of these clinics, if you ask them to.

Cardiology Specialists

Hiatt Chambers
St Georges Hospital, 249 Papanui Road, Christchurch, Canterbury
(03) 355 6056

DirectionWebsite
Canterbury
Christchurch Heart Group

Milford Chambers
St Georges Hospital 249 Papanui Road, Christchurch, Canterbury
(03) 355 3750

DirectionWebsite

Unsure of what your next steps are?
Unsure of what to do next?

Follow George’s journey to getting a Heart Valve Disease diagnosis

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References

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mitral-valve-regurgitation/diagnosis-treatment
  2. What is a heart murmur. Heart Foundation NZ. https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/heart-conditions/what-is-a-heart-murmur
  3. What is an Echocardiogram, American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/getting-an-accurate-heart-valve-diagnosis/testing-for-heart-valve-problems
  4. Understand your heart valve treatment options. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/understanding-your-heart-valve-treatment-options
  5. Sasse, A. Echo Appropriateness Guidelines - Cardiac Society. https://cardiacsociety.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Echo-Appropriateness-Guidelines-NZ.pdf

*https://www.healthline.com/health/echocardiogram

Note: References provided are applicable for all medical claims on this page.

Important safety information

Information on this site includes educational information regarding certain conditions and potential therapies or treatment options. Other therapies or treatment options may be available and you should discuss any educational information you access online with your healthcare professional. Appropriate treatment for individuals is a matter for healthcare professionals to decide in consultation with each individual.