Echocardiogram

What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a safe diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of your heart. Sound waves are bounced (echoed) off of heart structures, such as heart walls and valves, gathered by sensitive equipment and translated into pictures of the heart. Pictures obtained during the procedure are recorded on videotape and printed on special paper.

From these pictures, it is possible to measure the size of each of the four chambers of the heart, to study the appearance and motion of the heart, and to conclude how forcefully the heart muscle contracts to move the blood through the heart and out to the lungs and the rest of the body. Color doppler and spectral doppler are used in conjunction with this test to judge the speed, amount and direction of the blood cells flowing through the heart.

How do I prepare?
No special preparations are necessary for an echocardiogram. You may eat and go about your normal activities unless otherwise informed. On the day of your exam:

• Continue taking all medications prescribed by your doctor and follow your doctor's orders as usual.
• Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit. You will be given a hospital gown to provide for privacy during the exam.
• Arrive 30 minutes before your procedure to allow for registration at Outpatient Registration.

What will happen on the day of the procedure?
The procedure will take approximately one hour. Because the transducer must be placed directly on the chest wall or upper abdomen for the examination, you will be asked to undress from the waist up and given a hospital gown to wear.

Small adhesive patches will be attached to your body for an electrocardiogram (EKG) reading. An EKG is a test that records the pattern and rate of your heartbeat. It is useful in evaluating the timing of events in the heart.

You will then be asked to lie on a hospital bed. The room lights will be dimmed to reduce the glare on the imaging monitor and improve the visualization of the heart images. During the procedure, you may feel a slight pressure from the transducer. This is generally not uncomfortable. It may be necessary to change the position of your body in order to get better images. You may also be asked to hold your breath and not talk during the test in order to get a clearer picture. The technologist will tell you if this is necessary.

Following the procedure
After the procedure is complete, you can resume your normal activities. The results of the procedure will be mailed to your physician within 5-7 work days. The information gained from the echocardiogram will enable your physician to plan your treatment and decide whether any additional tests are necessary. You may wish to follow up with your physician to discuss the results of your test.