Echocardiogram

Patient Prep:
There is no patient prep for an Echocardiogram.
What is an Echocardiogram? 

Echocardiogram is an exam that also uses ultrasound, however the technologist is imaging just the heart. These images give physicians information about the size and shape of your heart and how well your heart’s chambers and valves are work.

Echocardiograms however are unable to image the coronary arteries of the heart, therefore we offer Stress Echoes and Nuclear Stress Tests.

Why is an Echocardiogram done?

·         Determine the size of the chambers in the heart

·         Look at the contraction function of the heart

·         Look at the valve function in the heart

·         Determine the volume status of the heart

·         Determine if there is any fluid in the pericardium

·         Look for blood clots or tumors within the heart

·         Determine if there is an active infection of the heart valves

·         Look at the aorta
How is an Echocardiogram Performed?
  • You will need to take off your clothes from the waist up and lie on an exam table on your back. 
  • Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart beat. 
  • A gel is spread on your chest and the transducer will be moved over your skin. You will feel a slight pressure on your chest from the transducer. 
  • You may be asked to breathe in a certain way or to roll over onto your left side.