Test Overview

An echocardiogram (also called an echo) uses sound waves to make an image of your heart. A device called a transducer sends sound waves that echo off your heart and back to the transducer. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen.

In a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), the transducer is moved across your chest or belly. A TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram.

Why It Is Done

This test is done to check your heart health. It's used for many reasons. For example, it may be done to:

• Check a heart murmur.
• Look for the cause of shortness of breath or unexplained chest pains.
• Check how well your heart is pumping blood.
• Check to see how well your heart valves are working.
• Look for blood clots inside your heart.
• Measure the size and shape of the heart's chambers.
• Measure the blood pressure and speed of blood flow through the heart.

How to Prepare

You don't need to do anything to prepare. It may help to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily take off.

How It Is Done

• You may be asked to remove your clothes above your waist. You may be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.
• You will lie on your back or on your left side on a bed or table.
• You may receive medicine through a vein (intravenously, or I.V.). The I.V. can be used to give you a contrast material. This helps your doctor get good views of your heart.
• Small pads or patches (electrodes) will be placed on the skin of your chest to record your heart rate during the test.
• A small amount of gel will be rubbed on the side of your chest to help pick up the sound waves.
• The transducer will be pressed firmly against your chest and moved slowly back and forth. It is usually moved to different areas on your chest or belly to get specific views of your heart.
• You will be asked to do several things, such as hold very still, breathe in and out very slowly, hold your breath, or lie on your left side.
• When the test is over, the gel is wiped off and the electrodes are removed.

How long the test takes

This test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Watch

How It Feels

You will not have pain from the echocardiogram. Gel is put on your chest for the ultrasound. It may feel cool. The hand-held ultrasound device is pressed firmly against your chest, but it doesn't cause pain. You will not hear or feel the sound waves.

You may feel uncomfortable from lying still or from the transducer pressing on your chest. If you need to take a break, tell the person doing the test.

Most people do not feel any discomfort from ultrasound tests. But if you have severe difficulty breathing or can't lie flat for a long exam, you may not be able to have an entire echo study. Talk to your doctor or the person performing your echo about any concerns you have.

Risks

• You will not have any pain from an echocardiogram. You may have a brief, sharp pain if an intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in your arm.
• No electricity passes through your body during the test. There is no danger of getting an electrical shock.
• You do not receive any radiation.

Results

Results are usually available within one day. If the test is done by a cardiologist, the results may be available immediately after the test.