Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Is an Echocardiogram Done?
Types
Preparation
Procedure
Results
Anechocardiogramis an ultrasound imaging test used to observe the heart. It is also called a cardiac echo. Your healthcare provider may order this test to help diagnose a heart condition.
A cardiac echo is considered the best way to see the movement and function of the heart muscle and valves. You may need a cardiac echo if you haveheart valve disease, heart rhythm irregularities, or cardiac muscle diseases such asdilatedcardiomyopathyorhypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This article explains why an echocardiogram may be used and what kinds of heart problems it can detect. It will also describe in detail how to prepare for the test, what happens during the test, and what the results may mean for you.
Also Known AsOther terms for an echocardiogram include:Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)Cardiac echoCardiac ultrasound
Also Known As
Other terms for an echocardiogram include:Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)Cardiac echoCardiac ultrasound
Other terms for an echocardiogram include:
A cardiac echo is used to identify abnormalities in the heart’s structure and function. A handheld device sends out sound waves that bounce off your heart and create a moving image of it on a screen. This allows your healthcare provider to look at theanatomy of your heartfrom many different angles and to observe your heart rhythm.
If you have symptoms offatigue,shortness of breath, orfainting, you may need a cardiac echo. This is especially true if a stethoscope or anelectrocardiogram (EKG)(a test that charts the electrical activity of your heart) suggests that you have a structural heart problem.
Echocardiogram vs. EKGAn echocardiogram is anultrasoundthat uses a small device called transducer to take images of the heart’s functioning and structure. With an EKG, electrodes are placed on the chest to measure the heart’s electrical activity, like rhythm and rate.
Echocardiogram vs. EKG
An echocardiogram is anultrasoundthat uses a small device called transducer to take images of the heart’s functioning and structure. With an EKG, electrodes are placed on the chest to measure the heart’s electrical activity, like rhythm and rate.
A cardiac echo allows your healthcare provider to watch your heart as it beats so that specific areas of concern can be identified. Some of the heart functions and conditions an echo can detect include:
Limitations
While the echocardiogram provides a lot of information about cardiac anatomy, it does not show thecoronary arteriesor any blockages in them. Another test calledcardiac catheterizationis commonly performed if your coronary arteries need to be examined closely.
Risks and Contraindications
An echocardiogram is considered a safe procedure with no known risks.
Types of Echocardiograms
There are a few different types of echocardiograms. The type that will work best for you depends on a number of factors such as medical conditions you might have and whether or not you can exercise.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
This is the standard echocardiogram test. It is similar to the ultrasound tests that are used during pregnancy to view a fetus. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of your heart.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
In people with certain conditions such as a thick chest wall oremphysema, it may be difficult to visualize the heart during an echocardiogram. If you have one of these conditions and need an echo, you might need an invasive ultrasound of your heart known as atransesophageal echocardiogram(TEE). With this, a device is placed in the esophagus in order to view the heart.
Stress Echocardiogram
Astress testmeasures your heart’s function while it is under stress. It is done while you are at rest and then repeated while you exercise (usually on a treadmill) to look for changes in the function of the heart muscle when you are exerting yourself.
A stress test can also be done using a medication that makes your heart beat faster. A medication stress test is usually only done if you have difficulty exercising.
A stress echocardiogram uses sound waves to create a picture of your heart while it is under stress. There are a few different types of stress echocardiograms, including:
How to Prepare
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for an echocardiogram and you do not need to have any screening tests before having one.
Here is what you can expect:
Timing
In general, expect a transthoracic echocardiogram to take about an hour. A transesophageal echo takes between 20 and 40 minutes and a stress echo takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
As with all diagnostic tests, arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes in advance so that you can sign in and fill out all necessary forms.
Location
Most medical offices will recommend that you have your echo at a cardiac testing center. If you have health insurance, your carrier may require you to go to an approved location.
What to Wear
You will need to wear an examination gown for the test itself. Once it is over, you can change back into your clothes.
Food and Drink
There are no food and drink restrictions before a transthoracic echocardiogram. However, depending on the reason for the test, your doctor may ask you to avoid caffeine for six to 10 hours before the test. This is because caffeine can speed up your heart rate.
If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram you will need to avoid food and water for four to six hours before the test. For a stress echocardiogram, you will need to avoid caffeine and tobacco for 24 hours and stop eating or drinking for four to six hours before the test.
Cost and Health Insurance
Your health insurance may require a pre-authorization for a diagnostic echo. You also may be responsible for a copay. You can check with your health insurance provider or with the cardiac testing center—both should be able to answer your questions about these issues.
If you are paying for the test yourself, it is likely to cost you several thousand dollars. This includes facility fees, technical fees, equipment fees, and a professional fee. These costs can range widely and it is highly likely that your healthcare provider and the other healthcare providers taking care of you do not know the cost of the echo. You can ask the facility what the total cost is and for a breakdown of the fees.
Why Your Health Insurance Won’t Pay for Your Health Care
What to Bring
Bring your referral form (if it wasn’t already sent electronically), your insurance card, a form of identification, and a method of payment.
Echocardiogram Procedure
A technician or a doctor will perform your echo. Often, a technician does some or all of the test, but a doctor, usually acardiologist, will look at your heart images while you are having your echo. They may want to adjust the transducer (the handheld device used) to visualize additional views, if necessary. Your own doctor may be present at your echo test, or another cardiologist may be there.
Pre-Test
You will be asked to change into an examination gown for the test.
During a Transthoracic Echo
The test will proceed differently depending on which type you are having. For a transthoracic echo, you will lie on an examination table and a technician will place some gel on your chest. Then they will place a transducer, or a small device shaped like a microphone, on that area.
The technician moves the transducer around to visualize your heart from different angles. You may be asked to roll on your side or to hold your breath for a few seconds during the test.
During a Transesophageal Echo
Because a transesophageal echo is an invasive test, you may be given a sedative and oxygen during the test. Your throat will be numbed and your provider will insert a flexible tube down your throat. The sound waves that create the picture of your heart are released from a transducer at the end of the tube.
During a Stress Echo
A stress echo combines a resting echocardiogram with an echo done while you are exercising on a treadmill.
Post-Test
After the test is complete, you may be given a small towel or pad to clean up the gel. Then you can change back into your clothes and leave. Typically, results are not ready right away, because the doctor may want to review the test and look at some images more carefully before preparing a report.
You do not have to adjust your activities, and there are no side effects after having an echo.
You can drive home after an echocardiogram.
What Results Will I Receive?
The report should include:
Your report may also include a comment about the quality of the images. If the images did not come out clearly, that might make the results less reliable.
A cardiac echo is used to assess many different conditions. As such, follow-up recommendations are highly variable and depend on the findings. You may eventually need to have another echo if you have a chronic heart condition, but regularly scheduled echocardiogram follow-ups are not typical.
In general, follow-up after an echo is focused on the treatment of your heart condition. For example:
Summary
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create a picture of your heart. It is used to diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including congenital defects, mitral valve prolapse, and heart failure.
Depending on what your healthcare provider is looking for and any physical limitations you may have, you may undergo one of several different types of echocardiogram. These tests are generally done in a cardiac testing center and may take up to 90 minutes, depending on the type of test.
After the test, your doctor will write a detailed report of the results. A treatment plan will be put in place depending on the findings.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Heart Association.Symptoms and diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Echocardiography.Heidenreich P, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79(17):e263–e421. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.12.012Suzuki K, Hirano Y, Yamada H, et al.Practical guidance for the implementation of stress echocardiography.J Echocardiogr. 2018;16(3):105–129. doi:10.1007/s12574-018-0382-8Aimo A, Kollia E, Ntritsos G, et al.Echocardiography versus computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance for the detection of left heart thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Res Cardiol. 2021;110(11):1697-1703. doi:10.1007/s00392-020-01741-7Tyebally S, Chen D, Bhattacharyya S, et al.Cardiac tumors:JACC CardioOncologystate-of-the-art review.JACC CardioOncol. 2020;2(2):293-311. doi:10.1016/j.jaccao.2020.05.009.American Heart Association.Cardiac catheterization.American Heart Association.Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).Heart and Stroke Foundation.Transesophageal echocardiogram. (TEE).
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Heart Association.Symptoms and diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Echocardiography.Heidenreich P, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79(17):e263–e421. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.12.012Suzuki K, Hirano Y, Yamada H, et al.Practical guidance for the implementation of stress echocardiography.J Echocardiogr. 2018;16(3):105–129. doi:10.1007/s12574-018-0382-8Aimo A, Kollia E, Ntritsos G, et al.Echocardiography versus computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance for the detection of left heart thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Res Cardiol. 2021;110(11):1697-1703. doi:10.1007/s00392-020-01741-7Tyebally S, Chen D, Bhattacharyya S, et al.Cardiac tumors:JACC CardioOncologystate-of-the-art review.JACC CardioOncol. 2020;2(2):293-311. doi:10.1016/j.jaccao.2020.05.009.American Heart Association.Cardiac catheterization.American Heart Association.Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).Heart and Stroke Foundation.Transesophageal echocardiogram. (TEE).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Heart Association.Symptoms and diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Echocardiography.Heidenreich P, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79(17):e263–e421. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.12.012Suzuki K, Hirano Y, Yamada H, et al.Practical guidance for the implementation of stress echocardiography.J Echocardiogr. 2018;16(3):105–129. doi:10.1007/s12574-018-0382-8Aimo A, Kollia E, Ntritsos G, et al.Echocardiography versus computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance for the detection of left heart thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Res Cardiol. 2021;110(11):1697-1703. doi:10.1007/s00392-020-01741-7Tyebally S, Chen D, Bhattacharyya S, et al.Cardiac tumors:JACC CardioOncologystate-of-the-art review.JACC CardioOncol. 2020;2(2):293-311. doi:10.1016/j.jaccao.2020.05.009.American Heart Association.Cardiac catheterization.American Heart Association.Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).Heart and Stroke Foundation.Transesophageal echocardiogram. (TEE).
American Heart Association.Symptoms and diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Echocardiography.
Heidenreich P, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79(17):e263–e421. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.12.012
Suzuki K, Hirano Y, Yamada H, et al.Practical guidance for the implementation of stress echocardiography.J Echocardiogr. 2018;16(3):105–129. doi:10.1007/s12574-018-0382-8
Aimo A, Kollia E, Ntritsos G, et al.Echocardiography versus computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance for the detection of left heart thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Res Cardiol. 2021;110(11):1697-1703. doi:10.1007/s00392-020-01741-7
Tyebally S, Chen D, Bhattacharyya S, et al.Cardiac tumors:JACC CardioOncologystate-of-the-art review.JACC CardioOncol. 2020;2(2):293-311. doi:10.1016/j.jaccao.2020.05.009.
American Heart Association.Cardiac catheterization.
American Heart Association.Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
Heart and Stroke Foundation.Transesophageal echocardiogram. (TEE).
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
