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Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (ECHO) uses ultrasound to capture images of your heart while it beats. This is the same non-invasive ultrasound technology used to check the health of a baby during pregnancy.

An echocardiogram is used to assess the anatomical function of your heart; valves, chambers, size and shape of the heart, pumping capacity, how the heart relaxes, blood flow in the heart (Eg. leaky valves) location and extent of cardiac disease.

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Health info & tips

  • Your doctor uses the ECG to
    Assess your heart rhythm. Diagnose poor blood flow to the heart muscle “ischemia”. Diagnose a heart attack. Diagnose abnormalities of your heart, such as heart chamber enlargement or detect electrical abnormalities commonly known as “arrhythmia” that patients sometimes may or may not feel.
  • How to prepare
    Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions the day of the test, as the cream can interfere with the sticker-skin contact.
  • What to wear
    Wear a shirt that can be easily removed to place the leads on the chest.
  • What to expect
    During a resting ECG, a technician will attach 12 stickers with adhesive pads to your chest, arms and legs. Men may have chest hair shaved to allow a better connection. You will lie flat while the computer creates a picture, on graph paper, of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart. It takes about 5 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds. Your ECG patterns will be kept on file for comparison with future ECG recordings.
  • After the procedure
    People can resume their normal daily activities, including driving, after an ECG. Your ECG will be reviewed and the results will be reported to your doctor. If necessary you may be referred for additional testing or a consultation with a physician.
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