Echocardiogram

An Echocardiogram (echo) uses sound waves called ultrasound to look at size, shape, and motion of the heart under the direction of a cardiologist.

Transthoracic Echocardiography is the most common type of echocardiography. A device called a transducer will be placed on your chest over your heart. The transducer sends ultrasound waves through your chest toward your heart. A computer interprets the sound waves as they bounce back to the transducer. This produces the live images that are shown on a monitor.

An echo is a noninvasive test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to assess the heart’s function and structures.

Why would I need an echo?

• To assess the overall function and structures of the heart.
• Observe how the heart moves.
• Gauge the strength of the heart’s muscle.
• Evaluate many heart, vessel and valve problems.
• Assess damage from prior heart attacks.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments.
• Discover congenital heart disease and rhythm disorders.

How do I prepare for an echo?

Transthoracic echocardiography is painless and noninvasive. There is no need to do any special preparation before having this test, and no recovery time will be needed.

What to expect?

• You will need to remove your clothes from the waist up and put on a gown.
• If the doctor is using a contrast dye or saline solution, they will inject or infuse the solution.
• You will lie on your back or side on a table or stretcher.
• The technician will apply gel to the chest and move a wand across the chest to collect images.
• They may ask you to change position or hold your breath for a short time at specific intervals.
• Exam takes between 45-60 minutes.