Medically Reviewed By: Dr Paul Lim – MBBS, M.Med (Int Med), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Cardiology)
2D Echocardiogram Heart Ultrasound in Singapore
A 2D echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound scan of the heart. Using sound waves, it produces moving, two-dimensional images that let a cardiologist see the heart's chambers, valves and pumping action in real time — with no needles, no radiation and no special preparation.
Clinical Experience
Your Scan Is Reviewed by Dr Paul Lim
Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Dr Paul Lim is a Senior Consultant Cardiologist who interprets and reports your echocardiogram as part of a full cardiac assessment, and explains the findings to you directly. He completed advanced fellowship training at Barts Heart Centre, London under Singapore’s HMDP award.
- MBBS (Singapore)
- M.Med (Int Med)
- MRCP (UK)
- FAMS (Cardiology)
- Fellow, European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
- Fellow, American College of Cardiology (FACC)
- Fellow, Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS)
What Is a 2D Echocardiogram?
“2D” refers to the standard two-dimensional view the scan produces — a live, cross-sectional picture of the beating heart. This view can be combined with Doppler, which measures the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart and across the valves, and with colour-flow imaging, which maps that flow on screen.
The most common form is a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), where the probe is placed on the outside of the chest. When people say “2D echo”, they are usually referring to a transthoracic study — the two terms describe the same routine scan.
What a 2D Echocardiogram Shows
A 2D echocardiogram gives a detailed picture of the heart's structure and function, helping to assess:
- The size and thickness of the heart's four chambers
- The heart's pumping strength (the ejection fraction)
- The heart valves — whether they are narrowed (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation), including conditions such as aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation
- Blood flow through the heart and across the valves (via Doppler)
- Any fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- Signs of previous strain or damage, such as an enlarged or weakened heart
It is commonly recommended to investigate symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, swollen ankles or fatigue, to follow up an abnormal ECG or a heart murmur, and to monitor known heart conditions.
What to Expect During the Scan
A 2D echocardiogram is straightforward and comfortable.
- The scan takes roughly 20–45 minutes.
- You lie on your left side on an examination couch. A few small ECG stickers are placed on the chest.
- A trained professional applies a water-based gel and moves a smooth probe (transducer) across the chest to capture images from different angles.
- You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change position.
- There are no injections and no radiation, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterwards.
- No fasting or special preparation is needed. You may be asked to undress to the waist; a gown is provided.
Why Do Your 2D Echocardiogram with Us?
Female Professionals
Our echocardiograms are carried out by female healthcare professionals.
Reviewed by a Cardiologist
Your scan is interpreted and reported by Dr Paul Lim, a Senior Consultant Cardiologist.
Friendly & Caring Service
Our team takes the time to put you at ease and explain your results clearly, so you leave understanding what they mean.
Transparent Pricing
Our consultation and scan fees are published below, so you know the cost before you book.
Prompt Appointments
Scans are usually arranged without a long wait.
Two Locations
Available at our Jurong and Orchard clinics.
Think you may need a 2D Echocardiogram? Speak with Dr Paul Lim.
2D Echocardiogram Cost in Singapore
All fees are inclusive of GST and vary by clinic location.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Test | |
| 2D Echocardiogram (Jurong) | S$436 |
| 2D Echocardiogram (Orchard) | S$545 |
| Consultation | |
| First Consultation with Cardiologist (Jurong) | S$130.80 |
| Follow-up Consultation with Cardiologist (Jurong) | S$98.10 |
| First Consultation with Cardiologist (Orchard) | S$272.50 |
| Follow-up Consultation with Cardiologist (Orchard) | S$163.50 |
A consultation with the cardiologist is required so the scan can be properly indicated and the results explained. If you already have a referral letter from another doctor, the scan can be performed without a separate consultation.
2D Echocardiogram FAQ
What is a 2D echocardiogram?
A 2D echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan that produces a live, two-dimensional image of the beating heart. It shows the heart's chambers, valves and pumping function, and is used to assess how well the heart is working. It is painless and uses no radiation.
Is a 2D echocardiogram the same as a transthoracic echocardiogram?
In routine practice, yes. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) — where the probe rests on the outside of the chest — is the standard 2D echo most people have. “2D echo” describes the type of image; “transthoracic” describes how it is taken.
Does a 2D echocardiogram include Doppler?
Yes. A standard 2D echo is almost always combined with Doppler and colour-flow imaging, which measure the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart and across the valves.
What can a 2D echocardiogram detect?
It can assess the size and strength of the heart's chambers, the function of the valves (including narrowing or leaking, such as aortic stenosis or regurgitation), blood flow through the heart, and fluid around the heart. It helps investigate breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, murmurs and known heart conditions.
How long does a 2D echocardiogram take, and do I need to prepare?
The scan usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. No fasting or special preparation is needed. You lie on your side while a trained professional moves a probe across your chest; you can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
Is a 2D echocardiogram safe?
Yes. It uses sound waves rather than radiation, involves no injections, and has no known harmful effects. It is suitable for repeated use, including during pregnancy.
Will a woman perform my scan?
Yes. Our echocardiograms are performed by female professionals.
How much does a 2D echocardiogram cost in Singapore?
At our clinic, the 2D echocardiogram is S$436 at our Jurong clinic and S$545 at Orchard, inclusive of GST. A cardiologist consultation is also required (S$130.80 first / S$98.10 follow-up at Jurong; S$272.50 first / S$163.50 follow-up at Orchard, inclusive of GST). See the fee table above.
Who interprets the results?
The scan is reviewed and reported by Dr Paul Lim, a Senior Consultant Cardiologist, and the findings are explained to you during your consultation.