How is an echocardiogram done?
A basic echocardiogram may be done in the physician’s office, a clinic, or in the hospital. For the procedure, you will remove your clothing from the waist up. Privacy will be ensured by using drapes across the chest and limiting access into the procedure room during the test. You will lie on your left side on a table or bed, but may be asked to change position during the procedure. EKG leads may be attached to your chest, so that the echo images can be compared to the EKG tracing during and after the procedure. The echocardiography technician will apply warmed gel to your chest. Then he/she will position the transducer on your chest and use a small amount of pressure to obtain the desired image. The technician will move the transducer around on your chest so that all areas and structures of your heart can be observed. During the test, the different echo techniques described above (M-mode, 2-D, Doppler, and color Doppler) may be used. You will not be aware of the different techniques e
