Echocardiograms

What To Expect During Echocardiography

Echocardiography (echo) is painless; the test usually takes less than an hour to do. For most types of echo, you will remove your clothing from the waist up. Women will be given a gown to wear during the test. You'll lie on your back or left side on an exam table or stretcher. Soft, sticky patches called electrodes will be attached to your chest to allow an ECG (electrocardiogram) to be done. An ECG is a test that records the heart's electrical activity.

A sonographer (a person specially trained to do ultrasounds) will apply gel to your chest. The gel helps the sound waves reach your heart. A wand-like device called a transducer will then be moved around on your chest.

The transducer transmits ultrasound waves into your chest. A computer will convert echoes from the sound waves into pictures of your heart on a screen. During the test, the lights in the room will be dimmed so the computer screen is easier to see.


» The illustration shows a patient having echocardiography. The patient lies on his left side. A sonographer moves the transducer on the patient's chest, while viewing the echo pictures on a computer.

The sonographer will record pictures of various parts of your heart. He or she will put the recordings on a computer disc for a cardiologist (heart specialist) to review. During the test, you may be asked to change positions or hold your breath for a short time. This allows the sonographer to get better pictures of your heart.

At times, the sonographer may apply a bit of pressure to your chest with the transducer. You may find this pressure a little uncomfortable, but it helps get the best picture of your heart. You should let the sonographer know if you feel too uncomfortable.