What is an Echocardiagram?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to evaluate your heart muscles, heart valves, and other structural tissues. This test involves no radiation exposure and takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
What are the reasons for an Echocardiagram?
- Assess the overall function and strength of the heart.
- Evaluate heart valves function.
- Evaluate congenital heart problems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical procedures.
How do I prepare for the Echocardiagram?
- No preparation is required for this test.
What will I experience during the test?
- The echo technician will apply a warm gel to your chest before pressing a transducer to your chest wall. There is no pain associated with an echocardiogram. Sound waves emitted from the transducer are then recorded as they bounce off structures in your heart, and a computer converts the sound waves into pictures of the moving heart. The entire test usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
Video of Echocardiogram