The application of a gel to the chest helps the sound waves travel better. A sonogram expert performs the test, and a cardiologist reads the results. As with all diagnostic tests, you should also arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes in advance so that you can sign in and fill out all necessary forms. In this procedure, the doctor guides a much smaller transducer down your throat through your mouth. Echocardiograms are noninvasive and relatively quick procedures that require minimal preparation. What to Expect with Echocardiogram Examining Your Moving Heart.

People should call the emergency services if they suspect a heart attack. An echocardiogram (ECG) may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Pericarditis.

If you are paying for the test yourself, it is likely to cost you several thousand dollars, which includes facility fees, technical fees, equipment fees, and a professional fee. A trained technician, nurse, or doctor can take an EKG by placing electrodes on the skin of the chest, arms, or legs. These electrodes record electrical activity and send the information to a computer that converts it into a graph, which a doctor can print out. Finally, our faculty equips each cardiovascular tech student with the skills and knowledge base to become certified and act according to protocol and legislation, so you’ll be ready for whatever your future holds. Required fields are marked *, Located at 684 Newark Avenue A doctor will order an echocardiogram if they suspect that someone has heart problems. A technician or a doctor will perform your echo. After the procedure, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the ECG electrode pads. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure. Also, Doppler can detect abnormal blood flow within the heart, which can indicate a problem with one or more of the heart's four valves, or with the heart's walls. . Defects in one or more heart structures that occur during formation of the fetus, such as a ventricular septal defect (hole in the wall between the 2 lower chambers of the heart). Once the sedative takes effect, a doctor will guide a small transducer on the end of a long tube down the throat and esophagus until it reaches the back of the heart. However, people may feel some discomfort, and some individuals can have an allergic reaction to the contrast material or anesthetic. A comment about whether any blood clots were seen in your heart.

You may eventually need to have another echo if you have a chronic heart condition, but regularly scheduled echocardiogram follow-ups are not typical.

This produces the live images that are shown on a monitor. The sonographer will record images of the heart as the doctor moves the transducer around the esophagus.