What is an echocardiogram?
A test to check:
- How your heart and heart valves are working.
- How well your heart is pumping blood.
- The size of your heart’s 4 chambers.
- If you have growths on your heart.
- How well your plan of care is working.
How do I get ready for the echocardiogram?
- You can eat and drink as you normally do.
- Take all your normal medications.
- Wear anything you like. You will wear a hospital gown for the test.
What happens during the echocardiogram?
- You will lie on your side on a special table.
- Three small, sticky patches are put on your chest to record your heart rate and rhythm.
- The person doing the test will put gel on the end of a wand.
- He or she will move the wand over your chest. The gel may feel cool on your skin.
- The wand sends sounds waves (ultrasound) to a machine. The ultrasound creates pictures of your heart.
- You will hear noises and see pictures of your heart on the screen.
- You may need to change positions and hold your breath at times during the test.
- The test does not hurt.
How long does the test take?
- The test takes about 1 hour.
How do I get the results of my test?
- A cardiologist will read your test results and send them to your doctor.
- Your doctor will talk to you about the results.
