Echocardiogram Care
Learn what care is required for the Echocardiogram procedure. Find out what you need to do prior to the procedure, how long it will take, if you will be required to stay in the hospital and what the postoperative care is.
Alternate Names for Echocardiogram:
Echo
Heart ultrasound
Ultrasound of the heart
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Echocardiogram Details
Alternate Names for Echocardiogram:
Echo
Heart ultrasound
Ultrasound of the heart
What to Expect
Prior to Test
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) -a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
A gel is put on your chest. This gel helps the sound waves travel. The technician presses a small, hand-held device (called a transducer) against your skin. The transducer sends sound waves toward your heart. The sound waves are then reflected back to the device. The waves are converted into electrical impulses. These impulses become an image on the screen.
The technician can capture a still image, or videotape moving images. To get clearer and more complete images, the technician may move the transducer to different areas of your chest. You may be asked to change positions and slowly inhale, exhale, or hold your breath.
After TestThe gel is wiped from your chest.
How Long Will It Take?30-60 minutes
Will It Hurt?No
Learn
 Complications Learn about possible complications and what might increase the risk of them. |
||
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
Latest Articles
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
