An echocardiogram, often called an “echo,” is a non-invasive medical test that uses sound waves to create live images of your heart. This imaging technique allows healthcare professionals to visualize the heart’s chambers, valves, and major blood vessels. Its general purpose is to assess the heart’s structure and function, including how well blood is pumping. It serves as a common and valuable tool for evaluating overall heart health.
How to Get Referred
An echocardiogram typically requires a medical referral. Your primary care physician (PCP) is often the first contact and can initiate the process. A cardiologist, a heart specialist, can also directly order this test after an initial consultation. The decision to order an echocardiogram depends on your specific health needs and clinical indicators.
Doctors may recommend an echocardiogram for unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness. It is also ordered to investigate new heart murmurs or abnormal heart sounds. For those with known heart conditions, an echocardiogram helps monitor disease progression or assess treatment effectiveness. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine if this diagnostic imaging is appropriate for your situation.
Where the Test is Performed
Echocardiograms are performed in various medical facilities. Hospitals are a common location, providing both inpatient and outpatient services. These settings are equipped with specialized equipment for different echo types.
Many specialized cardiology clinics and private offices also have dedicated echocardiography labs, often integrated into a cardiologist’s practice for seamless coordination. Independent diagnostic imaging centers also perform echocardiograms. These centers prioritize efficiency and patient convenience.
Location choice depends on test urgency, your health status, and the specific echocardiogram type. A trained sonographer operates the equipment and captures images. A board-certified cardiologist interprets these images and provides a report to your referring doctor.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Upon arrival, you will typically change into a gown and lie on an examination table. The non-invasive procedure, involving no needles or incisions, generally takes 30 to 60 minutes. The room is usually dimmed so the sonographer can clearly see the images on the monitor.
A special, water-based gel will be applied to your chest to help the sound waves travel effectively. The sonographer will then use a small, handheld device called a transducer, pressing it firmly against your skin and moving it across different areas of your chest. This transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your heart structures, creating the detailed images on a screen. You may be asked to change positions, such as lying on your left side, or to hold your breath briefly to get clearer views of your heart.
While generally painless, you might feel slight pressure from the transducer or a cool sensation from the gel. Once images are captured, the gel is wiped off, and you can typically get dressed immediately. The images are sent to a cardiologist for interpretation, and results are usually sent to your referring doctor for discussion during a follow-up appointment.