Echocardiography of the Heart

By means of high frequency sound waves an echo device makes an image of the movement of the heart muscle, chambers, atria, and heart valves which are clearly visible. The ultrasound machine can produce films and make calculations. The test is painless.

Preparation: None.

The exam

You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table

The echo technician then attaches three patches for ECG in different locations on your chest and upper part of your abdomen and next connects them via connection cables to the monitor.

Then the echografist will ask you to turn on your left side

The echografist will put a harmless gel on the transducer or rub it directly on your chest to assure solid connection with the device. This gel may feel somewhat cold.

The technician will manoeuvre the transducer through the different parts of the chest. The device transmits high frequency sound waves into the body. The transducer detects echoes of the sound waves and transmits them back as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these electrical impulses into moving images of the heart.The exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The technician will at any time keep you informed about his actions. Do not hesitate to ask any questions.

The results

You will get the results from your doctor, not from the technician, at the next appointment. If deemed necessary during the examination the technician might involve the doctor.