Echocardiography
Alternative names:
Doppler/ultrasound of the heart; echocardiogram; echocardiogram - transesophageal; transesophageal echocardiogram
How the test is performed:
A trained technician performs the test. A transducer (an instrument that transmits high-frequency sound waves) is placed on your ribs near the sternum and directed toward the heart. The transducer picks up the echoes of the waves and transmits them into an electrical impulse and relays it to an echocardiogram machine where the impulse is displayed and recorded.
If the echocardiogram is unclear due to a barrel chest, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or obesity, your health care provider may choose to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram.
In this situation the back of your throat is anesthetized and a scope is inserted down your throat. On the end of the scope is an ultrasonic device that is used to get a two dimensional echocardiogram of your heart.
How to prepare for the test:
Adults:
There is no special preparation for the test.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
Conductive gel is placed on your chest. The transducer is placed directly on your chest. There may be pressure on your chest from the transducer. You may be asked to breathe in a certain way or to inhale a medication to dilate the blood vessels. You must remain still during the test.
Why the test is performed:
This procedure is performed to evaluate the valves and chambers of the heart in a noninvasive manner, to aid the diagnosis of cardiomyopathies, to detect atrial tumors or pericardial effusions (abnormal fluid collection around the heart), or to evaluate cardiac wall motion and function after a heart attack.
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