An echocardiogram is a study of the heart that uses sound waves to create a picture in real time. The sound waves can create black and white image of all the chambers of the heart, of the valves opening and closing, and of the motion of the lower chambers of the heart as they pump blood out of the heart. The doppler technique uses the sound waves to assess the direction and speed of blood flow across the valves as well as in and out of the heart; this is the part of the test that can be a bit noisy (swishing like sounds).

What should you expect when getting an echocardiogram?

The test is performed by a sonographer (a technician trained specifically in ultrasound of the heart) with a microphone like device called a transducer that is placed on your chest mainly in three places: just left of the breastbone, under the left breast and just at the top of your belly.

At first, you will be asked to undress from the waist up with gown open to the front and lay on an exam table or bed. For most of this test (which can take up to 45minutes to complete) you will be lying on your back turned toward your left side and with your head up a little.

There are a few EKG patches applied to your chest at the beginning of the test in order to align your heartbeat with the sound wave information. A gel is used between the skin and the transducer for this test; although there is no preparation for this test, there is some clean up: removal of EKG patches and wiping of gel before redressing.

At times, the technician will apply pressure to your chest with the transducer such that it can be a little uncomfortable; this pressure is at times necessary in order to get good images and therefore good information about your heart.

This is a non-invasive test; there will be no "IV". There is also no required fasting for this test. Soon after your test, a cardiologist will read the echocardiogram and generate a report for your ordering physician.