What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a test that uses high-pitched sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of the heart. The sound waves are sent through a device called a transducer. The sound waves travel through the chest and bounce off the heart creating echoes which are captured by the transducer. These echoes are converted into moving pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video monitor. There is no radiation involved with ultrasound and it has no negative effect on biological tissue.
What information does an echocardiogram provide about the heart?
An echocardiogram is generally used to evaluate heart wall thickness and motion, as well as the structure and function of the heart valves. An echocardiogram can also be used to estimate the amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction). An echocardiogram can help identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart, areas of heart muscle that are not contracting normally, previous injury to the heart muscle caused by impaired blood flow, or evidence of heart failure, especially in people with chest pain or a possible heart attack.
How is the test performed?
You will be asked to wear a gown with clothes removed from the waist up and to lie on your back on an exam table. Sticky patches or electrodes are attached to the chest and shoulders and connected to electrodes or wires to record the electrocardiogram (EKG). The technician will apply a gel to your chest which helps transmit the sound waves. The lights in the exam room will be dimmed to help the technician visualize the pictures on the monitor. The transducer, which is a wand-like instrument, will be placed on the chest and rotated to the areas needed to capture the images of the heart. During the exam you may be asked to hold your breath or take deep breaths. You may also hear a "whooshing" sound which is the sound of the blood flowing through the heart. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes. You will be able to leave after the test is completed.