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Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram?
 An
echocardiogram, sometimes called an "echo", is an imaging
test that uses the echoes of sound waves that are bounced off
your heart to create a moving picture of your moving heart, its
muscles and valves. It shows how well your heart is working,
as well as how large your heart is.
A small hand-held device called a transducer is used to
transmit and receive the sound waves and echoes that take the pictures
of your heart. Special equipment changes the
echoes into images of your heart that are seen on a monitor. These
images help the doctor evaluate your heart.
An echo is very safe and
painless. In fact, echocardiograms are very similar to the imaging
technique called sonograms or ultrasounds used with pregnant women
to monitor the developing fetus while still in the
womb.
Before your Echo:
It is best to avoid eating within two hours prior to the test. Make sure you
wear a two-piece outfit, you may need to undress from the waist up and put
on a gown. Although the test itself takes less than 45 minutes, you should
allow extra time to check in.
For this test, which is a non-stress echocardiogram,
you may take your normal medications before the test.
During your Echo:
Small electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat. A transducer
coated with warm gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates the
sound waves that make the images of your heart. At times, you may be asked
to exhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect
the images. The images of your heart are recorded on a CD so your doctor can
review them.
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