What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to see how blood moves through your heart and valves and creates an image of your heart. This can be used in conjunction with exercise, called a stress echocardiogram, and monitors your heart at rest and during physical activity. It is a common diagnostic test to assess the structure and function of your heart, including its shape and motion, as well as the overall pumping functions of your heart as blood flows through your heart’s chambers and blood vessels.
Who needs an echocardiogram?
Your Cardiologist may order an echocardiogram if:
- You’re experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat.
- You’ve recently been diagnosed with a heart condition such as heart murmurs, heart valve problems, heart disease, cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias.
- You’ve recently experienced a heart attack or had some form of cardiac surgery.
- You have or are suspected to have a congenital heart defect or heart muscle abnormalities.
Physicians may recommend an echocardiogram based on your symptoms, medical history or clinical experience.
What are the risks of an echocardiogram?
Generally speaking, echocardiograms are considered to be a safe and relatively low risk procedure. While there are some minimal risks, they are usually outweighed by the diagnostic benefits of the test. Risks can include:
- Some discomfort or pain caused by firm pressure to the chest in order for the technician to obtain a clear image of your heart.
- Mild allergic reactions to the ultrasound gel used in the procedure.
If you know you are allergic to ultrasound gel or have a history of allergic reactions, be sure to inform your technician of any concerns or known allergies before the test. Other complications could occur, and you should talk with your doctor about risks and share any concerns.
How do I prepare for an echocardiogram?
Preparing for an echocardiogram is fairly straightforward, but if you are scheduled for an echocardiogram, you should talk with your healthcare provider to ensure you are following their instructions for you.
In general, you should wear comfortable clothing as you may be asked to change into a gown during your procedure. Avoid wearing jewelry to your appointment. Talk with your healthcare provider about the medications you are currently taking, as there are some medications that may not be advisable. You may need to avoid eating and drinking before your test – your provider will inform you if this required, as necessity does vary depending on the type of echocardiogram you’re having done.
What should I expect during an echocardiogram?
During an echocardiogram, a sonographer will have you lie on your back and apply lubricating gel to your chest before placing a transducer on different areas of your chest. This uses sound waves which bounce off your heart and detects the echoes which are then converted into images that can be seen on a monitor.
Once the test is completed, your doctor will prepare a report that describes the anatomy of your heart, how it moves and anything abnormal observed. You can expect to hear back from your doctor anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks, depending on the urgency of the test and the test results.