The word echocardiogram sounds technical, but the process is straightforward. An echocardiogram is a medical diagnostic test used to determine heart health. A doctor uses an echocardiogram to further diagnose any irregularities present during a normal physical exam. An echocardiogram is non-invasive, and completed in a doctor's office. Its name describes exactly how the procedure works. Similar to an ultrasound, sound waves bounce off the heart through the body in order to provide a visual of the heart.
What Happens?
An echocardiogram is administered by a medical diagnostic technician. On the day of an echocardiogram, most likely scheduled first thing in the morning, you will fast at least two to four hours prior to the test. The procedure should take no longer than 45 minutes to a bit over an hour, depending on the length and detailed report the doctor requires.
Clothing Removal
When you arrive at the doctor's office, you will be taken to an examination room. Once in the room, a nurse or physician's assistant will instruct you to remove all clothing from the waist up. Remove your shirt or blouse, undershirt or bra, as well as any jewelry. A gown or sheet will be given to you to cover up prior to the test.
Electrodes Applied
Once your clothing is removed, lie down on a bed or exam table. A technician prepares the chest area by cleaning your skin with an abrasive lotion. This lotion removes any body lotions, sweat or body oil from the area. Electrodes are then placed on your chest. The electrodes measure and conduct the electrical current of the heart.
Test Time
Using a transducer, which transmits sound waves at high frequency, the technician will "photograph" different locations of your heart. A transducer, which is a small microphone-like device, is held against the chest. The transducer sends and receives the ultrasound waves. These pictures and sounds provide the doctor with a visual of your heart. Based on what is seen and heard, the doctor diagnoses or schedules further tests.
Not a Perfect Diagnostic Test
Echocardiograms help doctors determine heart health, but they are not without their faults. Since sound waves sent through the body have to go through bone, muscle and tissue before reaching the heart, an echocardiogram cannot tell if the problem lies in the diastolic or systolic beat of the heart. Also, the visualization of the heart may not be optimal. There may be deformities or anomalies the doctor cannot see or hear from the test. An echocardiogram only gives a good starting point, without having to get invasive.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Echocardiogram
- American Heart Association: Heart Damage Detection
- "Success with Heart Failure: Help and Hope for Those with Congestive Heart Failure"; Marc Silver, M.D.; 2002
