New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
Get the iPhone MyHealth app »
Get the Android MyHealth app »
Techniques
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?
To request an appointment, call 650-725-2621.
Echocardiogram Techniques
Echocardiogram uses a special device called a transducer that sends out sound waves. The waves bounce off the structures of your heart, creating an echo read by the transducer. A computer analyzes the echo and produces an image for your care team.
During echocardiogram, we also monitor the electrical activity of your heart using an electrocardiogram, or ECG.
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:
- 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.
- You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
- 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.
- 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.
- The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be viewed by the technologist.
- 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.
- 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 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 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:
- 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.
- You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
- 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.
- 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.
- The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be viewed by the technologist.
- 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.
- 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 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