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Echocardiogram An echocardiogram checks how your heart's chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bonow RO, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Sept. Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Zitelli BJ, et al.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Mankad R expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. News from Mayo Clinic Understanding heart tests Sept. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The test has been around for a long time, but the quality of the images that doctors can get with it continues to improve. Miyasaka says. Doctors might want to see an echocardiogram to investigate signs or symptoms of heart diseases, like shortness of breath, chest discomfort or swelling in the legs.
They might also order an echocardiogram if something abnormal, like a heart murmur, is detected during an exam. Depending on why the echo test is being ordered, your doctor might also order other diagnostic tests like blood work or an electrocardiogram. You will typically go to an outpatient facility, and it should take no more than an hour. The gel might be a little cold, but otherwise you should not feel any major discomfort during the test.
In some cases, doctors might need to inject a contrast agent into your bloodstream in order to see the borders of the heart better. So, someone who is diagnosed with a chronic heart condition will have multiple echos over their lifetime to help doctors monitor the progression of the disease and determine the best course of treatment. The type of echocardiogram you will have depends on the heart condition being assessed and how detailed the images need to be.
For example, a stress echocardiogram may be recommended if your heart problem is triggered by physical activity, while the more detailed images produced by a TOE may be more useful in helping plan heart surgery.
In this video, an expert explains what to expect if you're having a transoesophageal echocardiogram. In some cases, it may be possible for the person carrying out the scan to discuss the results with you soon after it's finished. However, the images from the scan will usually need to be analysed before the results are sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you during your next appointment.
A standard echocardiogram is a simple, painless, safe procedure. There are no side effects from the scan, although the lubricating gel may feel cold and you may experience some minor discomfort when the electrodes are removed from your skin at the end of the test.
Unlike some other tests and scans, such as X-rays and CT scans , no radiation is used during an echocardiogram. However, there are some risks associated with the less common types of echocardiogram. You may find the TOE procedure uncomfortable and your throat may feel sore for a few hours afterwards. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the test as you may still feel drowsy from the sedative.
There's also a small chance of the probe damaging your throat. During a stress echocardiogram, you may feel sick and dizzy , and you may experience some chest pain. There's also a small chance of the procedure triggering an irregular heartbeat or heart attack, but you'll be monitored carefully during the test and it will be stopped if there are signs of any problems.
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