An echocardiogram is a popular, painless examination performed by doctors to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. If you are experiencing signs of a heart problem, suffered a heart attack or have been diagnosed with a heart problem, your doctor may suggest this test.
The echocardiogram, otherwise known as an echo or ECG, is a type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart. The echocardiogram can provide your doctor with valuable information about the state of your heart. It will show if the condition of your heart, heart valves and the rate of blood pumped by the heart are normal or if there is a certain abnormality or heart disease present.
Doctors will recommend an echocardiogram if you:
You will undergo the test in a doctor’s office or hospital from a specially trained technologist. The procedure requires no special prepping or adjustments and lasts typically between 30 to 60 minutes.
The test will be conducted in a darkened room to ensure better visibility of the test monitor. Before the test starts, you will be asked to undress from the waist up and change into a hospital gown before lying down on the examination table.
Afterward, the technologist will attach sticky patches known as electrodes to your chest to keep track of your heart rhythm via an electrocardiogram, or EKG. After that, the technologist will put gel on your chest and place a mini device called a transducer against your chest, moving it up and down right over your heart. The transducer receives and sends out sound waves, which are transferred to the test monitor to show images of your heart.
For a larger part of the test, you will rest on your left side. You may be asked to lie on your back and hold your breath for a few seconds. While the test lasts, you may occasionally hear a whooshing sound. Do not panic. That is the sound of blood circulating through the heart at an amplified frequency.
The results of your echocardiogram will be available for your doctor within a week, and you will be able to go through the test results together. The results could be either of the following:
If the tests are abnormal, the doctor may request additional tests to detect the precise cause of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
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