Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, often called an "echo," is an ultrasound test of the heart. It uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function. Unlike X-rays, echocardiograms don't use radiation, making them very safe.

Echocardiograms provide valuable information about how well your heart is working, including how the heart chambers and valves are functioning, how blood flows through the heart, and whether there are any structural problems. It's one of the most commonly used tests to evaluate heart health.

Echocardiograms are used to:

Evaluate Heart Function:

• Assess how well heart pumps (ejection fraction)
• Check heart muscle strength
• Evaluate heart chamber sizes
• Detect heart muscle problems

Check Heart Valves:

• Assess valve function
• Detect valve problems (stenosis, regurgitation)
• Evaluate valve damage
• Plan valve surgery

Detect Heart Problems:

• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
• Congenital heart defects
• Pericardial disease (around heart)
• Heart tumors or blood clots

Monitor Conditions:

• Monitor heart function over time
• Assess treatment effectiveness
• Evaluate after heart attack
• Monitor during pregnancy (if needed)

Usually minimal preparation needed:

• You can eat and drink normally
• Take medications as usual (unless told otherwise)
• Wear comfortable clothing
• You may be asked to remove clothing from waist up
• You'll be given a gown to wear

Before the Test:

• Remove jewelry from chest area
• Inform staff of any medications
• Let staff know if you have pacemaker or defibrillator
• No special diet or fasting needed

During the Echocardiogram:

1. Positioning: You'll lie on your left side on a table
2. Gel Application: Warm gel is applied to your chest
3. Transducer: A wand-like device (transducer) is moved over your chest
4. Images: Sound waves create images on screen
5. Duration: Usually takes 30-60 minutes
6. Comfort: You may be asked to hold your breath briefly
7. Different Views: Images taken from different angles

The Process:

• Completely painless
• No radiation exposure
• You can see images on screen (if you want)
• You can resume normal activities immediately after

Types of Echocardiograms:

• Transthoracic echo (TTE): Most common, through chest wall
• Transesophageal echo (TEE): Through esophagus (requires sedation)
• Stress echo: During or after exercise
• Doppler echo: Measures blood flow

Normal Results:

• Normal heart size and structure
• Normal heart function
• Normal valve function
• Normal blood flow
• No structural abnormalities

Abnormal Findings May Include:

• Reduced ejection fraction: Heart not pumping well
• Valve problems: Stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking)
• Heart enlargement: Chambers larger than normal
• Wall motion abnormalities: Areas not moving properly
• Pericardial effusion: Fluid around heart
• Structural defects: Congenital or acquired problems

What the Measurements Mean:

• Ejection fraction (EF): Percentage of blood pumped out (normal: 50-70%)
• Chamber sizes: Whether heart chambers are enlarged
• Wall thickness: Whether heart muscle is thickened
• Valve function: How well valves open and close

Your doctor will explain what your specific results mean for your health.

Echocardiograms are very safe:

• No risks or side effects
• No radiation exposure
• Non-invasive (nothing enters your body)
• Can be repeated as needed
• Safe for everyone, including pregnant women

The gel:

• May feel slightly cool or warm
• Washes off easily
• No allergic reactions (rare)

• If you have questions about your results
• If you experience any concerns after the test
• If you need clarification about findings
• If you have concerns about your heart health

• Review results with your doctor
• Follow recommended treatment plan
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Continue monitoring as recommended

Echocardiograms have some limitations:

• May not detect all heart problems
• Image quality depends on body habitus
• Some areas may be difficult to visualize
• Results need interpretation by trained professional
• May need additional tests for complete evaluation

Additional tests may be needed:

• Cardiac catheterization
• MRI of heart
• CT scan of heart
• Other specialized tests

No. An echocardiogram is completely painless. You may feel slight pressure from the transducer, but no pain.

Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on what needs to be evaluated. The actual imaging takes most of this time.

Yes. There are no dietary restrictions for a standard echocardiogram. You can eat and drink normally.

An abnormal echocardiogram doesn't always mean a serious problem. Your doctor will interpret the results in context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. Many findings can be managed with treatment.

It depends on your health and condition. Your doctor will recommend based on your individual situation. Some people need regular echocardiograms, while others may only need one if symptoms develop.