Heart & Vascular Services

Diagnostic Testing-Echocardiogram

What is an Echocardiogram or Echo?
An echocardiogram is a test using sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart in order to measure blood flow through the heart valves.
Alternative names: Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE); Echocardiogram – transthoracic; Doppler ultrasound of the heart; Surface ECHO

Why is the test done?

• To measure the size of the heart chambers and thickness of the heart muscle.
• To determine whether the heart is pumping at full strength or is weakened, and whether the various parts of the heart pump equally.
• To show the shape and motion of the heart valves. It can help determine if a valve is narrowed or leaking and show how sever the problem is.
• To detect the presence of fluid around the heart, blood clots or masses, inside the heart, or abnormal holes between the heart chambers.

Is any preparation required?
No special preparations are necessary, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

How long will it take to complete the test?
The test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

What can I expect during the test?

• You will be asked to read and sign a consent form.
• You will need to undress from the waist up. Women are given a gown to wear.
• Small, sticky pads, or electrodes, are put on your chest to check your heart rhythm during the test.
  To improve the quality of the pictures, a gel is applied to the small hand-held device, or transducer, before it is placed on your chest. It will be wiped off at the end of the test.
• The transducer is placed on your chest to view the heart from different angles. It sends ultrasound waves that bounce off the various parts of your heart. A computer uses the information coming from the transducer to construct an image of the heart. The image is displayed on a screen and can be recorded on videotape or printed on paper.
• You might be asked to change positions or hold your breath for a short time. The images and sounds are recorded on videotape for your doctor to review later.

What happens after the test?
You can return to your normal routine unless otherwise advised. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.