A heart ultrasound, formally known as an echocardiogram, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart’s structure and function. This common test allows physicians to visualize the heart’s chambers, valves, major blood vessels, and the strength of heart muscle contractions in real-time. The information gathered helps diagnose conditions such as valve disease, heart failure, and issues with blood flow. Understanding the logistics and time commitment involved helps patients prepare for this assessment.
Standard Duration: Scan Time vs. Total Appointment Time
The time spent at the facility is often longer than the actual time the ultrasound machine is capturing images. For the most common type, the Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE), the actual scanning process typically lasts between 40 and 60 minutes. This duration allows the sonographer to acquire a comprehensive set of images and measurements.
The total appointment time requires a longer commitment, usually ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. This extended period accounts for necessary administrative steps before and after the scan. The total time includes check-in, preparation, placement of monitoring equipment, and the final steps of dressing and review before leaving.
Step-by-Step: Inside the Examination Room
Once in the examination room, the patient is asked to disrobe from the waist up and put on a gown. The sonographer places several small electrodes on the chest to connect the patient to an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor. This monitoring allows the sonographer to correlate the ultrasound images with the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm during the test.
The patient is typically asked to lie on their left side, which brings the heart closer to the chest wall and improves image quality. A clear, water-soluble gel is applied to the chest or the transducer, a small device. This gel eliminates air pockets, allowing the high-frequency sound waves to travel and create echoes off the heart structures.
The sonographer systematically moves the transducer across the chest, applying gentle pressure to capture specific views of the heart. These standardized views ensure that all major structures are visualized and measured. The sonographer may also ask the patient to hold their breath or change position slightly to optimize image clarity. Capturing all necessary angles and performing required measurements is the primary reason the scan takes up to an hour.
Factors Influencing the Procedure Length
The procedure length can vary based on the complexity of the required examination or if a specialized study is ordered.
Stress Echocardiogram
A Stress Echocardiogram takes longer because it requires two separate imaging sessions: one at rest and one immediately following physical exertion. The exercise portion, whether on a treadmill or stationary bike, or the administration of a drug like Dobutamine, adds considerable time to the appointment.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) also extends the duration, as this invasive test requires sedation. The TEE probe is guided down the throat into the esophagus to obtain clearer images from directly behind the heart. This procedure requires longer preparation time for sedation and a period of post-procedure monitoring before discharge.
Patient-specific factors also play a role in timing. For example, a patient whose body habitus makes it difficult to find a clear acoustic window may extend the scan time. If a patient has difficulty remaining still or following breathing instructions, the sonographer might require more time to acquire adequate images. A complex medical history, such as a severe valve defect or a congenital heart condition, requires the sonographer to capture more detailed measurements, which lengthens the standard scan time.