Echocardiogram

Your doctor has ordered an echocardiogram for you. The purpose of this test is to see how well your heart pumps blood, and to determine if your valves are functioning properly. This test requires no special preparation. When you arrive, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. ECG wires will be attached at various places on your chest. The technician will then ask you to lie on your left side, and will obtain pictures of your heart using a special probe and ultrasonic gel. The test takes approximately 45 minutes.