Echocardiography (Echo)
An echocardiogram (echo) is an imaging test. It helps your doctor evaluate your heart. This test:
· Is safe and painless.
· Can be done in a hospital, test center, or doctor’s office.
· Bounces harmless sound waves (ultrasound) off the heart. A transducer (device that looks like a microphone) is used.
· Helps show the size of your heart. It also helps show the health of the heart’s chambers and valves.
Before Your Echo
· Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.
· Mention any over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs, or supplements you’re taking.
· Allow extra time for checking in.
· Wear a two-piece outfit for the test. You may be asked to remove clothing and jewelry from the waist up. If so, you’ll be given a short gown.
During Your Echo
· Most echo tests take 20–30 minutes.
· Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.
· A transducer coated with cool gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates the sound waves that make images of your heart.
· At times, you may be asked to exhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect the images.
· The transducer may also be used to do a Doppler study. This test measures the direction and speed of blood flowing through the heart. During the test, you may hear a “whooshing” sound. This is the sound of blood flowing through the heart.
· The images of your heart are stored on a computer or recorded on video. This is so your doctor can review them later.
After Your Echo
· Return to normal activity unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
· Be sure to keep follow-up appointments.
Your doctor will discuss your test results with you during a future office visit. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that are needed.
_______________________________________________________
Stress Echocardiography
Also called a stress echo, a test that records images of your heart before and after exercise. By comparing the images, your doctor can tell whether your heart is getting enough blood to meet its increased demand for oxygen.
Before Your Test
· Be sure to mention the medications you take and ask if it’s okay to take them before your test.
· Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or have any caffeine for 3 hours before test.
· Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
· Wear a shirt, blouse, or sweater that you can remove easily. You may be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up.
During Your Test
A transducer (a small device that produces sound waves) and gel are placed on your chest to record images on videotape of your heart at rest.
· Your blood pressure is also monitored, and electrodes are attached to your chest to record an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that records the pattern of your heartbeat.
· Next, you’re asked to walk on a treadmill until your heart is beating rapidly. Note: If you are not able to exercise, you’ll be given a drug to get your heart working harder.
· Finally, a technician records a second set of video images of your heart immediately after you finish exercising.
After the Test
· You can resume your normal activity.
· Be sure to keep your follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss test results.
_______________________________________________________
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography (Echo)
This type of echocardiogram uses the drug dobutamine and harmless sound waves to help see if any blood vessels in your heart are blocked. This test is often done in a hospital or cardiac testing center.
Before Your Test
Mention what medicines you take and ask if you should take any before the test. Don’t eat, smoke, drink alcohol, or have any caffeine for 4 hours before the test. Sips of water are okay. Make sure to wear a 2-piece outfit. You may need to undress from the waist up and put on a short hospital gown. Allow 1 extra hour for checking in and getting ready for the test.
During Your Test
· Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to record your heartbeat.
· An intravenous (IV) line is started in your arm.
· A painless device (transducer) coated with cool gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates sound waves that make images of your heart on a screen.
· Dobutamine is then slowly given through the IV. It is normal to feel your heart pound for a few minutes.
· Echo images are taken while you feel the effects of the drug and after your pulse returns to normal. You may be given a second drug to slow your heartbeat to a normal level.
· Your heart and blood pressure are monitored during and after the test.
After Your Test
When the test is over, you may return to your normal routine. Ask your doctor about taking any medicine that you were told to skip before the test. Your doctor will discuss your test results with you during a future office visit. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that may be needed.
Be sure to tell the doctor if you feel any of the following during the test:
· Chest, arm, or jaw discomfort
· Irregular heartbeat
· Feeling flushed
· Shortness of breath
· Nausea
· Headache
_______________________________________________________
Cardiac Nuclear Imaging (Nuclear Stress Test)
Before Your Test
· The entire test will take a few hours. For best results, prepare for your test as directed.
· When you schedule the test, be sure to mention all the medications you take. Ask if you should stop taking any of them the day of the test.
· Before your test, stop smoking and avoid caffeine for as long as directed .Don't eat or drink for 4-6 hours before the test. Sips of water are okay.
· On the day of the test, dress for comfort. Wear a two-piece outfit, top and bottoms. Be sure to wear walking shoes.
During Your Test
· You may be asked to change into a gown for the test. At some point, scanning pictures will be taken while you rest. This may be done before you exercise. Or, you might have to return for resting scans later that day or the next.
· You will be attached to EKG and blood pressure monitors. An IV (intravenous) line will be started in your arm.
· You will exercise on a treadmill for a few minutes. This increases the rate of blood flow to your heart muscle.
· Speak up when you feel that you cannot exercise for even 1 more minute. At this point, the tracer is given to you through the IV.
· If you cannot exercise, special medications can be used to increase heart rate.
· After you have received the tracer, you will be positioned on the scanning bed. You must lie very still for up to 30 minutes. During this time, a scanning camera will be taking pictures. The images will show where blood flows through your heart muscle.
After Your Test
· Before going home, ask when you may eat. Also, find out when to resume taking any medications you were told to skip before the test. If you need to return for resting scans, follow any instructions. Most people can go back to their normal routine as soon as all parts of the test are finished.
Report Any Symptoms
Be sure to tell the doctor if you feel any of the following during the test:
· Chest, arm, or jaw discomfort
· Severe shortness of breath
· Dizziness or lightheadedness
· Leg cramps or pain
Let the Technologist Know:
· What medicines you take.
· If you have diabetes, knee or hip problems, arthritis, asthma, or chronic lung disease.
· If you have had a stroke or have vascular disease of the leg.
· If you are pregnant, think you might be, or are nursing.
