What is Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is a procedure that uses painless sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of the heart. Images from an echocardiogram can provide important information about:
- Signs of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Aneurysm detection. An aneurysm is a weak or damaged part of an artery wall that bulges out from the normal force of blood pumping through the body.
- Heart size and shape. Changes in the size or shape of the heart can be associated with certain conditions, including heart failure, aneurysm, and CAD.
- Heart muscle function.
- Heart valve function.
- Signs of a past heart attack.
- Fluid buildup around the heart.
- Thickening of the heart muscle.
- A tumor or infectious growth around the heart valves.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Allergic reaction to dye (contrast) that may be used during the procedure.
What happens before the procedure?
No specific preparation is needed. You may eat and drink normally.
What happens during the procedure?
- An IV tube may be inserted into one of your veins.
- You may receive contrast through this tube. A contrast is an injection that improves the quality of the pictures from your heart.
- A gel will be applied to your chest.
- A wand-like tool (transducer) will be moved over your chest. The gel will help to transmit the sound waves from the transducer.
- The sound waves will harmlessly bounce off of your heart to allow the heart images to be captured in real-time motion. The images will be recorded on a computer.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may return to your normal, everyday life, including diet, activities, and medicines, unless your health care provider tells you not to do that.
Summary
- An echocardiogram is a procedure that uses painless sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of the heart.
- Images from an echocardiogram can provide important information about the size and shape of your heart, heart muscle function, heart valve function, and fluid buildup around your heart.
- You do not need to do anything to prepare before this procedure. You may eat and drink normally.
- After the echocardiogram is completed, you may return to your normal, everyday life, unless your health care provider tells you not to do that.
