Exams Performed in the Echocardiography (ECHO) Lab Echocardiography (Echo) Lab | Page 11

What happens during the test?
• You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Before the test, a health care provider will explain the procedure in detail, including
possible complications or side effects. Please take this opportunity to ask any questions
you may have.
• Your echo will take place in the Echo Lab. The clinical care area is under physician
supervision.
• You will be given a hospital gown to wear, and asked to remove your clothing from
the waist up. Your chest will be partially exposed to allow the cardiac sonographer to
acquire the necessary images.
• A cardiac sonographer will gently rub 10 small areas on your chest and place
special patches or electrodes on these areas. These electrodes are attached to an
electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor that displays your heart’s electrical activity.
• An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your arm. This IV can be used to
inject saline (salt water) or other imaging enhancing agents to help produce clearer
pictures.
• The cardiac sonographer will ask you to lie on your left side on an exam table to
perform a resting echocardiogram, which is a safe and painless test that uses high-
frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. You may receive
a special liquid agent that is used to help evaluate heart or valve function. Known as
an ultrasonic image enhancer, this liquid agent is not radioactive and is safe to use in
patients with kidney problems.
• You may be asked to change positions several times during the exam so the cardiac
sonographer can take pictures of different areas of the heart. You may also be asked to
hold your breath at times.
• Before you start exercising, the cardiac sonographer will perform a resting EKG,
measure your resting heart rate, and take your blood pressure.
• After the echo test, lab personnel will oversee your exercise on a treadmill or stationary
cycle. You will slowly increase the intensity of exercise. You will be asked to continue
exercising until exhaustion.
• Lab personnel will ask how you are feeling at regular intervals. Please tell them if
you feel chest, arm, or jaw discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or other
concerning symptoms.
• Lab personnel will watch for changes on the ECG monitor that suggest the test should
be stopped.
• When you cannot exercise any longer, notify the team, and the treadmill or bike will be
stopped.