An echocardiogram is a painless test (40 minutes’ procedure) that uses soundwaves to take heart pictures. It is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler.

Also known as an echo or cardiac ultrasound.

WHAT ARE VARIOUS TYPES OF ECHOCARDIOGRAM? 

Following are few of various echocardiograms.The doctor will help determine which works for patient:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram is the standard echocardiogram
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) requires  transducer inserted down the throat into esophagus 
• Stress echocardiogram is performed while exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle
• 3 D Echocardiogram takes multiple heart images from different angles before heart valve surgery
• Fetal Echocardiogram checks for heart problems in the fetus

WHY IS AN ECHOCARDIOGRAM PERFORMED?

• Resolves medical questions about size, shape, and performance of heart 
• Assesses overall heart functions
• Determines - myocardial, pericardial, valve,cardiac masses, infective endocarditis, and congenital heart diseases
• Monitors progression of heart valve disease 
• Evaluates effectiveness of cardiac treatments

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ECHOCARDIOGRAM?

• Follow normal eating or drinking routine. Generally, fasting or sedation not required
• Medications ongoing and recommended can be taken under doctor’s supervision
• Depending on the type of echocardiogram, doctor shall advise any specific instructions
• If on pacemaker, please share with doctor
• Leave the valuables home before starting for hospital

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TEST? 

• Patient slips into a hospital gown
• Cardiac sonographer places 03 electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on patient chest
• Electrocardiograph (EKG) monitors and charts heart’s electrical activity 
• Patient asked to switch to respective left side
• Gel is applied on chest to support clear images
• A wand (sound wave transducer) is moved across gel
• X- ray images are taken
• Patient can see those pictures and hear heart sounds that are part of the Doppler signal
• Patient may be told to  change position and hold breath several times during the test 
• No major discomfort is felt by patient

After the Test

Taking an echocardiogram is painless. There are risks only in rare cases and certain echocardiograms.Test results are directly sent to the doctor for review.