Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves echo off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer interprets the echoes into an image of the heart walls and valves.

Risks of the Procedure

For some patients, having to lie still on the examination table for the length of the procedure may cause some discomfort or pain. There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.

Before the Procedure

Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.

During the Procedure

An echocardiogram may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your physician’s practices.

Generally, an echocardiogram follows this process:

You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure. You may wear your glasses, dentures, or hearing aids if you use any of these.
You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
You will lie on a table or bed, positioned on your left side. A pillow or wedge may be placed behind your back for support.
You will be connected to an ECG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the procedure using small, adhesive electrodes. The ECG tracings that record the electrical activity of the heart will be compared to the images displayed on the echocardiogram monitor.
The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be viewed by the technologist.
The technologist will place warmed gel on your chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. You will feel a slight pressure as the technologist positions the transducer to get the desired image of your heart.
During the test, the technologist will move the transducer probe around and apply varying amounts of pressure to obtain images of different locations and structures of your heart. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable. If it does make you uncomfortable, however, let the technologist know.
After the procedure has been completed, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the ECG electrode pads. You may then put on your clothes.

After the Procedure

You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your physician advises you differently.

Generally, there is no special type of care following an echocardiogram. However, your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

Echocardiogram Test Results

If a Cardiology Associates of Gainesville (CAG) physician or nurse practitioner ordered your test, you should receive your test results either by telephone or by mail in approximately 7 business days. After that time, if you have not received your test results, you may call our office at 264-2500 ext. 499 to reach our patient message center. You will need to leave your name, telephone number, date and type of testing, and the ordering physician’s name. You will receive a call back within 24 hours with an update regarding your test results.

If a physician other than CAG ordered your test, please contact their office for your test results.