What is Echocardiography?
An echocardiogram allows the physician to look at the overall size of your heart, evaluate the left ventricle (the major pumping chamber of the heart), evaluate the four valves in the heart for any irregularities, and assess the blood flow throughout the heart chambers and valves. Evaluating the valves and blood flow is known as a Doppler. A Doppler ultrasound can show movement inside the body, for example the actual heart beats.

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create a visual image of the heart itself. Sound waves are bounce off the heart by means of a small transducer placed on the chest. As the sound bounces or echoes off the heart structures, they are translated into visual images on a screen monitor. The images can reflect structural problems with the heart and its valves.

What happens during a resting echocardiogram?
Echocardiograms are performed while you are lying on your left side, although you may be asked to switch positions frequently so that the technician can image your heart from a variety of angles. Once in the appropriate position, the ultrasound technician will apply a gel to the area being examined, the gel is used to improve the images. The echo technologist will then pass a transducer (a small microphone – like device which allows sound waves to pass through the skin from the transducer and bounce off certain organs and tissues in the body creating “echoes”) several times over the area being examined.

How should I prepare for the exam?
Wear comfortable two piece outfits as you will be asked to undress from the waist up and given a paper cape to wear to prevent the gel from getting on your clothing. The exam takes 30-40 minutes.

What is a bubble echocardiogram or “bubble study”?
A bubble echocardiogram is an echocardiogram as described above using harmless saline bubbles. After the initial ultrasound pictures are taken an I.V. line is started in the arm. A saline bubble solution is injected through the I.V. line while more images are taken. This test is done to evaluate the correct flow of blood through the chambers of the heart.

What is a stress echocardiogram?
The stress echo is a diagnostic exam used to evaluate your level, your heart rate and blood pressure in response to activity. It is also performed to diagnose and/or evaluate coronary artery disease (blockage in the blood vessels feeding the heart), damage to the heart muscle and areas of the heart which have been “stunned” by previous heart attacks.

What happens during the exam?
This exam is done in two stages (rest and stress) to evaluate the blood flow pattern of the heart at rest and with increased blood flow as would happen with exercise. The stress portion of the exam will be done walking on a treadmill in the echocardiography laboratory. ECG patches will be placed on your chest (men may need to have their chest shaved in the areas where the patches will be placed) and then you will be connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine. Ultrasound images of the heart will be taken before and after exercise. The exam will take approximately 1 hour.

Be sure to tell the echo technologist if you feel any of the following during the exam:

• Chest, arm, or jaw discomfort
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Headache

How should I prepare for the exam?
Do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your exam. Wear comfortable two piece outfits as you will be asked to undress from the waist up and given a paper cape to wear to prevent the gel from getting on your clothing. For patients requiring an interpreter, please bring one with you the day of your exam. If you are unable to arrange your own interpreter please contact our office a week prior to the day of your exam. Your cardiologist may want you to stop certain medications prior to your exam, if you are not instructed to do so please take all your regular medications as usual.

What is a Dobutamine stress echo?

A Dobutamine stress echocardiogram uses a drug and harmless sound waves to help see if any blood vessels in your heart are blocked. The drug, dobutamine, is given to make your heart beat faster, as if you were exercising. This exam is performed to diagnose and/or evaluate coronary artery disease (blockage in the blood vessels feeding the heart), damage to the heart muscle and areas of the heart which have been “stunned” by previous heart attacks.

What happens during the exam?

This exam is done in four stages (baseline, low dose, peak dose, and recovery) to evaluate the blood flow pattern of the heart at rest and with increased blood flow as would happen with exercise. You will receive a medication called Dobutamine that stimulates the effect of exercise. A small IV will be placed in a vein in your arm and is used for the injection of the Dobutamine. It is normal to feel your heart pound for a few minutes while the Dobutamine is being administered. The IV will remain in your arm for the entire exam. ECG patches will be placed on your chest (men may need to have their chest shaved in the areas where the patches will be placed) and then you will be connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine. Ultrasound images of the heart will be acquired several times during the procedure. This exam will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Be sure to tell the echo technologist if you feel any of the following during the exam:

• Chest, arm, or jaw discomfort
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Headache

How should I prepare?
Remember to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
Do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your exam.
Wear comfortable two piece outfits as you will be asked to undress from the waist up and given a paper cape to wear to prevent the gel from getting on your clothing.
For patients requiring an interpreter, please bring one with you the day of your exam. If you are unable to arrange your own interpreter, please contact our office a week prior to the day of your exam.
Your cardiologist may want you to stop certain medications prior to your exam, if you are not instructed to do so please take all your regular medications as usual.