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:

There is no special preparation for the test.

How it Feels:

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.

Risks:

There are no known risks associated with this test.

Why this 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 .

Normal Values:

A normal echocardiogram reveals normal heart valves and chambers, and normal heart wall movement.

Abnormal Results:

Abnormal results may indicate heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy , pericardial effusion , or other cardiac abnormalities.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: