Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound that gives your doctor important information about the structures and function of your heart muscle and valves. The images produced by the echocardiogram can help determine the cause of problems such as palpitations, chest pain, heart murmurs or difficulty breathing. Abnormal image patterns may indicate injury, disease or other problems.
You take the test lying down so that you’re relaxed and comfortable. Different parts of your heart are viewed by applying a small probe to your chest. A cardiologist will analyze the results and your doctor will explain your results to you.
Preparing for Your Echocardiogram
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue taking your medications as usual. If you have been instructed not to take your medications, tell the technician before the test. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and bring your doctor’s order. If you have a prosthetic heart valve, please bring the card containing your valve information. The echocardiogram will take about 1 hour.
Echocardiograms are performed by appointment only.