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An echocardiogram is a test that
uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. It is
completely non-invasive and involves no radiation exposure.
Who is the test appropriate for?
An echocardiogram is used if your
cardiologist suspects problems with the valves or chambers of your
heart, or to evaluate your heart's pumping efficiency.
Are there any preparations?
There is no preparation for a
conventional echocardiogram.
What can you expect during the
procedure?
After disrobing from the waist up,
you will be given a gown and asked to lie down on an exam table.
Electrodes are attached to your chest for an electrocardiogram (ECG)
at the same time. The ECG helps with the interpretation of the
echocardiogram and evaluating the electrical impulses in the heart.
The lights will be dimmed so the technician can see your heart's
image on the screen more clearly. The Doppler echocardiogram uses
colors to indicate the varying speed of your blood as it flows
through the heart. The technician spreads gel on your chest and then
firmly presses the transducer against your skin, aiming the
ultrasound beam through your chest. You may be asked to breathe in a
certain way or to roll over onto one side. The transducer uses
high-frequency sound waves, which are beyond the range of normal
hearing. However, you may hear a pulsing "whoosh" sound, which is
the machine's approximation of blood flowing past the structures in
your heart. The computer then uses the information from the
transducer and creates images which are displayed on the video
monitor. The entire test usually takes less than one hour.
When can I expect the results?
Results will be available once your
physician has interpreted the pictures, within 24-48 hours.
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