Echocardiography (Echo)

This is a test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create a moving picture of the heart and is performed by a cardiac sonographer. The images produced allows for the measurement of all four heart chambers, the heart valves, the blood vessels entering and leave the heart as well as the sack around the heart (the pericardium).

An echocardiogram is a safe test and involves no radiation exposure. The test usually takes about 30 minutes and no preparation is required. You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and lie on an examination bed. A gown is provided for comfort. Electrodes and an ultrasound probe are placed on the chest so that the sonographer can acquire the images.