An echocardiogram is an ultrasound or sound wave test of the heart. Sound waves are transmitted from an instrument, called a transducer probe, into your body. The sound waves reflect (echo) off the heart to create pictures which can be seen on a screen.
Water-soluble gel is placed on the transducer, which is placed on the skin of your chest over the area to be studied. Blood flow through the heart valves can be heard as the test is being completed. This test in non-invasive, which means no needles, catheters, or dyes are used. On rare occasions ultrasound images are difficult to obtain because of various body types. This may require that an IV be started and a mild contrast agent be given.
The test is used to:
- Evaluate the size, thickness, and pumping action of the heart
- Assess the heart’s function
- Determine the presence of disease of the heart muscle, valves and pericardium, heart tumors, and congenital heart disease
- Evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments
- Follow the progress of valve disease
- Evaluate murmurs, valve problems, or fluid around the heart
Preparing for the test:
- You may eat and drink as you normally would on the day of the echocardiogram test.
- Take all of your regular medications the morning of the test.
- Wear two-piece clothing and remove all jewelry from around your neck.
- Allow approximately 45 minutes for this appointment.
- You will need to change into an exam cape to wear during the procedure.
What to expect during the test:
A cardiac sonographer (an allied health professional who has been trained specifically to perform ultrasound examinations) will place three electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on your chest. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (ECG) that charts your heart’s electrical activity. You will be asked to lie on your left side on an exam table. A sound-wave transducer will be placed on several areas of your chest. It will have a small amount of cool gel on the end, which will not harm your skin. This gel helps get clearer pictures. Sounds are part of the Doppler signal. You will be able to hear the sounds of your blood passing through your heart valves during the test. You may be asked to change positions during the exam in order to take pictures of different areas of your heart. You may be asked to hold your breath at times. You should feel no major discomfort during the test, however you will feel slight pressure from the transducer being placed on your chest. The echo test takes about 45 minutes.
What to expect after the test:
After the cardiologist reviews your test, the results will go into your electronic medical record. You should expect your referring physician to receive the results of your test within 7-10 days.
