Why is this procedure done?
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to make moving pictures of your heart. It is also known as an echo. An echo looks at how well your heart works. The doctor is trying to learn about any problems with your heart. The doctor may look at the size of the heart, how well the heart pumps, and how well the blood flows through the heart. Your doctor may be looking for information about: ‚
- The cause of a heart murmur
- Any problems with the heart valves
- Damage to the heart from a heart attack
- Any weakness of the heart muscle
- Any enlargement of the heart
- Blood clots, tumors, or infection in the heart
- Heart problems that have been there since birth
- Problems with the blood vessels that give oxygen to the heart
There are a few different types of heart echo tests: ‚
- Transthoracic echo ¢ ˆ ’ The probe that sends out the sound waves is moved around the chest area. This is the most common type of echo.
- Stress echo ¢ ˆ ’ The test done is done both before and right after you exercise. If you are not able to exercise, you may be given a drug to make your heart work as hard as if you were exercising.
- Transesophageal echo ¢ ˆ ’ The probe is put down your food pipe after you are given drugs to put you to sleep. This gives a closer, more detailed look at the heart.
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What will the results be?
The pictures are looked at by a heart doctor called a cardiologist. The results will show if there are any problems with your heart. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will order an electrocardiogram (ECG) test before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie down on a bed. The echo technician will place a small amount of gel on your chest. It will help send sound waves inside your body.
- The technician will use a probe and will move it over the area around your heart. Sometimes, the technician will ask you to change positions or to hold your breath for a few seconds.
- The probe puts out sound waves. The sound waves bounce off of your organs. A computer picks up the sound waves and changes them into pictures. You can see the pictures on a monitor beside the bed.
- Often, the test is painless. Sometimes, you may have some mild discomfort if the technician has to press more firmly with the probe to get a clearer view of an area.
- The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
The technician will wipe off the gel. The doctor will look at the printed images or videotape. You can go home right after your procedure. Talk to your doctor about when the results will be ready. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- The results will help your doctor find out if you have any problems with your heart. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a heart specialist if the test result shows some problem.
What problems could happen?
Echocardiogram has no known harmful effects. ‚
Where can I learn more?
British Heart Foundation ‚
http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tests/echocardiogram.aspx ‚
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/echo/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚