Why do people need an echo test?
Doctor may use an echocardiogram to diagnose:
- how well your heart is functioning.
- An excellent test to image multiple aspects
- The size and shape of your heart
- How your heart moves.
- The heart’s pumping strength.
- If the heart valves are working correctly.
- If blood is leaking backwards through your heart valves (regurgitation)
- If the heart valves are too narrow (stenosis).
- If there is a tumor or infectious growth around your heart valves.
What happens after the echo?
Doctor will discuss:
- Echo images, and share the results
- The test will also help
How can I learn more about an echo?
- What are you looking for in my heart?
- Why are you doing this test instead of another test?
- What do I need to do to get ready for this test?
- When will I know the results?
- Do you expect me to have other tests?
- An echo can’t harm you.
- An echo doesn’t hurt and has no side effects.
- Problems with the outer lining of your heart (the pericardium).
- Problems with the large blood vessels that enter and leave the heart.
- Blood clots in the chambers of your heart.
- Abnormal holes between the chambers of the heart.
Echo tests are done by specially trained technicians. You may have your test done in your doctor’s office, an emergency room, an operating room, a hospital clinic or a hospital room. The test takes about an hour.