How is a cardiac echo performed
Tests and Procedures~Echocardiogram
what is an echocardiogram an
echocardiogram is a non-invasive test
that uses high-frequency sound waves or
ultrasound to examine the hearts anatomy
and function this test provides
information about your heart size the
appearance of the valves and the
thickness of the heart muscle preparing
for the test there is no need for any
special preparation you may eat and go
about your normal activities unless
otherwise informed do continue to take
all your medications prescribed by your
doctor and follow your doctor's orders
as usual
the test the entire test takes less than
one hour the echocardiogram
will be performed by a scenographer a
specially trained ultrasound
technologist you will be asked to
disrobe from the waist up and will be
provided with a gown you will lie on an
examining table in the sonographer will
attach small adhesive patches with wires
to record the timing of your heartbeat
the sonographer will obtain ultrasound
pictures of your heart using a small
handheld transducer in water-soluble gel
the lights will be dimmed to reduce
glare so the sonographer can better see
the picture monitor changes in body
position are sometimes needed to get
enhanced pictures at times the
technologist may need to apply added
pressure with the scanning probe to
visualize certain areas requiring
additional views while the Doppler
ultrasound test is performed you will
hear a swishing sound as the instrument
receives and processes the signals
Doppler ultrasound is particularly
helpful in the evaluation of heart
murmurs color ultrasound imaging
provides additional information about
direction and distribution of blood flow
when this is being performed
you will notice multiple colors on the
monitor screen
the echocardiogram test includes doppler
and color evaluations of your heart is
it safe sound waves do not cause pain
the only discomfort you may experience
would be related to the pressure of the
transducer against your skin there are
no reports of complications related to
the use of diagnostic ultrasound when
will I receive the results your tests
will be reviewed and interpreted by a
cardiologist and a report will be
provided to your physician who will
contact you
