Echocardiogram

What is the purpose of an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is used to view your heart and evaluate how it functions using ultrasound technology.

What can you expect during an Echocardiogram?

You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up, wear a hospital gown, and lie on your left side. A small handheld device called a transducer will be moved across your chest over the area of your heart.

A gel, similar in consistency to KY jelly, will be applied to your skin and washes off easily. The gel helps transmit sound waves from your heart to the ultrasound device, allowing images of the heart to appear on a monitor. These images are captured digitally.

Small adhesive patches with wires may be placed on your body to monitor your heart activity. You may be asked not to talk during parts of the test. The exam typically takes about one hour.

Important Points

• No special preparation is required. You may eat normally and continue your usual activities.
• Continue taking your medications as prescribed.
• The test is completed at one of our Outpatient Diagnostic Centers.
• A technician will be with you throughout the entire test.
• Please check in 15 minutes before your appointment.