Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram


An echocardiogram is also called an echo, cardiac ultrasound, or ultrasound of the heart. It is a painless test that takes moving images of the heart using sound waves. This test allows the doctor to see your heart’s structure, function, as well as how competent your heart valves are.

A Doppler ultrasound will be used, which allows the doctor to see the movement of blood through your heart. During the test, you will be able to hear the “whooshing” sound of blood moving through your heart.

Sometimes the images do not reflect the muscle of the heart well. If this occurs, an imaging agent, called contrast medicine, can be injected into a vein in your arm to visualize your heart better. A doctor will decide if contrast is needed and safe to give with your medical history.

The test takes about an hour or less to do.
 

To prepare

  • There are no special preparations for this test. Eat, drink and take your medicines as you normally would.
  • Bring a list of all medicines you are taking. Include prescription and over the counter medicines and any herbal and vitamin supplements.
  • Bring your insurance card(s) with you. There will be some forms to fill out.
     

During the test

  • You will be taken to the ultrasound room. The room is dimly lit and has an exam table and the ultrasound machine.
  • You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and be given a hospital gown to wear.
  • You lie on your left side on the table.
  • Small pads, called electrodes, are placed on your chest to allow staff to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. This is called an ECG.
  • Warmed gel is placed on a wand, called a transducer. The transducer sends and receives the sound waves. Gel is used between the transducer and the chest wall to reflect your ultrasound images.
  • The sound waves are converted into moving images of the heart on the computer screen. The structures of the heart will appear as white while the blood (pool) will appear black.
  • The transducer will be moved around, so different views of your heart can be seen. You will feel moderate pressure against the chest wall. Let staff know if you are uncomfortable.
  • You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath for short periods of time during the test at times. This helps improve images.
  • If an imaging agent is needed, a nurse will put a very small tube, called an intravenous (IV) catheter, in your arm to give you the contrast medicine. You may be monitored for an additional 30 minutes after injection of the imaging agent. The imaging agent does not last long in the body and is low risk. Most of it is removed from the body through normal breathing.
  • Several recordings of your heart will be taken. These recordings will be digitally stored for a heart specialist, called a cardiologist, to review.
     

After the test

  • You can go back to your normal activities.
  • Test results are sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you.

 

© 2010 – February 24, 2023, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.