[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/what-to-expect-during-an-echocardiogram\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/what-to-expect-during-an-echocardiogram\/","headline":"What to Expect During An Echocardiogram","name":"What to Expect During An Echocardiogram","description":"Learn what you can expect if you need an echocardiogram, a common test doctors use to diagnose and monitor heart problems.","datePublished":"2016-01-12","dateModified":"2024-01-11","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/echocardiogram.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/echocardiogram.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/what-to-expect-during-an-echocardiogram\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":675,"keywords":["blood clot","cardiac imaging","cardiomyopathy","chest pain","echocardiogram","electrocardiogram","heart","heart attack","heart disease","heart screening","heart surgery","heart test","heart valve disease"],"articleBody":"An echocardiogram is a common, painless test that doctors use to diagnose and monitor heart problems. If you\u2019re having symptoms of a heart problem, you\u2019ve had a heart attack, or you have been diagnosed with a heart condition, your doctor may recommend this test.What is an Echocardiogram?An echocardiogram, also called an echo or an ECG, is a kind of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to make moving pictures of your heart.Why is an Echocardiogram Ordered?An\u202fechocardiogram\u202fcan help your doctor find out important facts about your heart health. It will show if your heart, heart valves, and the amount of blood that your heart pumps out are normal or if you have heart disease or another heart condition.You may need an echocardiogram if you have:Been diagnosed with a heart condition like\u202fcardiomyopathy\u202f(heart muscle disease) or\u202fheart valve disease.Had a heart attack or heart surgery.Signs and symptoms of a heart problem, like\u202fchest pain\u202for pressure, shortness of breath,\u202firregular heartbeats, or abnormal heart sounds.How to Prepare for an EchocardiogramPreparing for an echocardiogram is usually very easy. As an EKG is not an invasive test, nor is there any chance of receiving an electric shock, there is no special preparation necessary. You should, however, make sure your doctor knows all the medication and supplements you are taking as they may affect the result of the test.In order to get a reading for an EKG, a trained technologist will need to apply sticky electrode readers to your chest and back. Therefore, you may want to wear clothes you can comfortably change out of. You will often be asked to wear a medical gown.Some people may develop a rash from the adhesive used on the electrodes. If you are predisposed to skin conditions you may want to have a salve ready for after your EKG.What to Expect During an Echocardiogram ProcedureYour test will be done in a doctor\u2019s office or hospital by a specially trained technologist. No special preparations are necessary, and the test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.The test will take place in a darkened room so your technologist can see the test monitor better. Before your test, you\u2019ll undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown, then lie down on an exam table.Your technologist will place sticky patches called electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm through an\u202felectrocardiogram, or EKG. Next, your technologist will place gel on your chest and press a small device called a transducer against your chest over your heart, moving it back and forth. The transducer picks up and sends out sound waves, which travel to the test monitor and show pictures of your heart.For most of the test, you\u2019ll lie on your left side. You may need to lie on your back and hold your breath for a few seconds at a time. At certain points during the test, you may hear a whooshing sound, which is the sound of blood moving through your heart.Echocardiogram Test ResultsYour doctor will usually have the results of your echocardiogram in about a week and will go over your results with you. Results may be:Normal, meaning that your heart, heart valves, and the amount of blood your heart pumps out are normal.Abnormal, which will vary depending on your specific condition. It may mean that your heart chambers or valves are not working properly, the amount of blood your heart pumps out is not enough to meet your body\u2019s needs, there is extra fluid around your heart, or you have a tumor or\u202fblood clot\u202fin your heart.If you have abnormal results, your doctor may want to order more tests to pinpoint the cause of your condition.To schedule an echocardiogram, visit the\u00a0UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute\u00a0or\u00a0contact us\u00a0at 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484).Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 12, 2016, and was last reviewed on June 14, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What to Expect During An Echocardiogram","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/01\/what-to-expect-during-an-echocardiogram\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]