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Stanford Health Care

Risks

Our Approach

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound, or harmless sound waves, to quickly and efficiently obtain valuable information about your heart. Our doctors regularly use an echocardiogram, or echo, when they have questions about the size, shape, and performance of your heart and its valves.

Echocardiography is a versatile tool to help identify heart disease. We offer a full range of possible tests, including newer options that can provide 3-D imaging or fit inside the arteries. We use the type most suited to your heart and your needs.

What Is An Echocardiogram?

Make An Appointment

To request an appointment, call 650-725-2621.

Risks of Echocardiogram

External echocardiogram poses no risks, as it is noninvasive and does not use radiation. Some people may feel uncomfortable having to lie in one position for the test.

Your risk is also low as compared to the other types of echocardiograms:

  • Intracardiac testing carries the same low risk for bleeding, heart attack, and stroke as an angiogram performed during cardiac catheterization.
  • A transesophageal echocardiogram can include a bad reaction to the sedative and cause a sore throat or (rarely) a minor throat injury.
  • A stress echocardiogram can cause minor complications from the exercise or any medication used.
  • Other risks depend on your medical history. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before testing.

What to Expect

Some preparation is needed before an echocardiogram is performed. There are also specific steps to follow before and after the procedure. Learn more about what to expect below.

  • Before

  • During

  • After

Before the Procedure

The doctor will explain the procedure and offer you the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure. Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.

Notify the doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements.

Notify the doctor if you have a pacemaker.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

During the Procedure

An echocardiogram may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of a hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices.

Generally, an echocardiogram follows this process:

  1. You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure. You may wear glasses, dentures, or hearing aids.
  2. You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
  3. You will lie on a table or bed, positioned on the left side. A pillow or wedge may be placed behind your back for support.
  4. You will be connected to an ECG monitor that records the electrical activity of your heart and monitors your heart during the procedure using small, adhesive electrodes. The ECG tracings that record the electrical activity of the heart will be compared to the images displayed on the echocardiogram monitor.
  5. The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be viewed by the technologist.
  6. The technologist will place warmed gel on the chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. You will feel a slight pressure as the technologist positions the transducer to get the desired image of the heart.
  7. During the test, the technologist will move the transducer probe around and apply varying amounts of pressure to obtain images of different locations and structures of the heart. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable. You should let the technologist know if they are uncomfortable.

After the Procedure

You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your doctor advises differently. Generally, there is no special type of care following an echocardiogram. However, your doctor may give additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your needs.

Before

Before the Procedure

The doctor will explain the procedure and offer you the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure. Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.

Notify the doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements.

Notify the doctor if you have a pacemaker.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.


close Before
During

During the Procedure

An echocardiogram may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of a hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices.

Generally, an echocardiogram follows this process:

  1. You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure. You may wear glasses, dentures, or hearing aids.
  2. You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
  3. You will lie on a table or bed, positioned on the left side. A pillow or wedge may be placed behind your back for support.
  4. You will be connected to an ECG monitor that records the electrical activity of your heart and monitors your heart during the procedure using small, adhesive electrodes. The ECG tracings that record the electrical activity of the heart will be compared to the images displayed on the echocardiogram monitor.
  5. The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be viewed by the technologist.
  6. The technologist will place warmed gel on the chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. You will feel a slight pressure as the technologist positions the transducer to get the desired image of the heart.
  7. During the test, the technologist will move the transducer probe around and apply varying amounts of pressure to obtain images of different locations and structures of the heart. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable. You should let the technologist know if they are uncomfortable.

close During
After

After the Procedure

You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your doctor advises differently. Generally, there is no special type of care following an echocardiogram. However, your doctor may give additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your needs.


close After