What is it?
An echocardiogram is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create an image of the heart (Figure 1). A Doppler test uses sound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow. By combining these tests, a cardiologist gets useful information about the heart’s anatomy and function. Echocardiography is the most common test used ito diagnose or rule out heart disease and also to follow adults who have already been diagnosed with a heart problem.
How is it done?
The ultrasound test is done with your person lying down comfortably on a bed or examination table.
The test is done by a cardiac sonographer (a technologist with extensive training in ultrasound). The examiner will put a few stick-on patches called electrodes on for an electrocardiographic (EKG) tracing during the exam. He or she will also put a small handheld device (called a transducer) on the chest and abdomen. It sends and receives the sound waves and is connected by a cable to the ultrasound machine (Figure 2). The ultrasound machine is a computer that converts sound waves to pictures. A small amount of clear gel is used between the transducer and chest to make sure there is proper contact. The gel doesn’t stain and is wiped off when the test is over. The examiner may select and show a variety of pictures on a TV screen. You’ll be able to see a picture of the beating heart, and you may be able to see and hear the flow of blood. The picture normally changes when the transducer is moved. Expect to hear loud sounds from the ultrasound instrument. Portions of the test may be recorded on videotape or stored as computer files for later measurement, interpretation and storage as part of the patient record.
Echocardiographic examinations take 20 to 30 minutes. It is important that you remain still to obtain an examination of acceptable quality.
