If you use medicine or insulin for diabetes, ask your doctor or the testing center about it.īefore the transesophageal echocardiogram, a nurse will put an intravenous line (IV) into a vein in your arm or hand so they can give you medications. Take all of your medications at the usual times, with a small sip of water if necessary. Tell your doctor beforehand if you have any problems with your esophagus, such as a hiatal hernia, swallowing problems, or cancer.ĭon’t eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test. Because it’s closer to your heart, it can get a clearer picture. Afterward, you can get dressed and go back to your routine.įor this test, the transducer goes down your throat and into your esophagus (the swallowing tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). You won’t feel anything during the test except coolness from the gel and slight pressure from the transducer. They might also ask you to hold your breath sometimes. The sonographer might ask you to move around so they can take pictures of different areas of your heart. You may or may not hear the sounds during the test. There will be a small amount of gel on the end to help create clearer pictures.Ĭhanges in the sound waves, called Doppler signals, can show the direction and speed of blood moving through your heart. The sonographer will run a wand (called a sound-wave transducer) across several areas of your chest. You’ll lie on your left side on an exam table. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor ( EKG or ECG) that tracks your heart's electrical activity. A specialist called a cardiac sonographer will put three electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on your chest. You’ll take off your clothing from the waist up and put on a hospital gown. Take all of your medications at the regular times. On the day of the test, eat and drink as you usually would. It sends high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that bounce off your heart, creating images and sounds. Specialists use the same technology to check a baby's health before birth.Ī technician will put a hand-held device called a transducer on your chest. It’s like an X-ray but without the radiation. Your doctor will tell you more about which is best for you. See how well medical or surgical treatments are working.Your doctor may order an echocardiogram to: You might hear them call it “ echo” for short. The sound waves make moving pictures of your heart so your doctor can get a good look at its size and shape. An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to show how your heart muscle and valves are working.
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