An echocardiogram is a procedure that uses high frequency ultrasound waves to evaluate your heart.

The echocardiogram can assess:

There are many reasons why an echocardiogram may be obtained. Only a physician can determine whether you need this test. Your physician will base the decision to perform this test on your symptoms, your medical history and your physical examination.

First, small patches (called electrodes) are placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. Next, a colorless gel is applied on your chest over the heart. This gel improves the images produced by the ultrasound equipment. Then, the transducer (the device that beams high frequency sound waves at your heart) of the echocardiogram machine is moved over your chest in order to take pictures of your heart from various angles.

Most of the time, in order to fully evaluate the blood flow through the heart and assess the proper functioning of the valves, you will also have a DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAM performed. The technique for this portion of the examination is the same as it is for the standard echocardiography. However, you will now hear a swooshing sound

and (if you are able to see the monitor) see a variety of bright colors displayed on the monitor. These sound are not really being made by your heart. Rather, they are computer augmented sounds and colors that help the physician determine how well your heart valves are working.

The high frequency sound waves used for the echocardiogram are not known to cause any adverse effects. Echocardiography is a safe and painless procedure.

Echocardiography provides a lot of information about the heart without any risk of side effects.

Sound waves quickly lose their ability to penetrate with increasing distance. If you are overweight or have serious lung disease, it may be difficult to get good images of the heart. If that is the case, you may need to have a transesophageal echocardiogram performed. A transesophageal echocardiogram involves using an ultrasound transducer that actually goes down into your esophagus. The esophagus travels right next to the heart and good pictures of the heart can be obtained using transesophageal echocardiography. Because a transesophageal echocardiogram is a little uncomfortable (the transducer is placed through your nose into the esophagus), this test is reserved for situations where a standard echocardiogram is unsatisfactory. The transesophageal echocardiogram is currently only performed in the hospital.

A thorough examination usually takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. If you have schedule an echocardiogram, your appointment time is listed on the front of this brochure.

There is no special preparation required for an echocardiogram. You can eat and drink as you do normally. Also, make sure you take your medications as scheduled unless directed otherwise by your personal physician.

A cardiologist from Dubuque Internal Medicine will review the echocardiogram and prepare a report for your doctor. Your doctor will then let you know the results and any other action that is necessary based on the results of this test.

If you have a sign or symptom of a heart problem, an echocardiogram is normally covered by most health insurance companies. If you want to be certain, check with your health insurance company directly. If you health insurer does not pay, you will be responsible for the payment.

Hopefully, this pamphlet has addressed any questions you may have regarding your echocardiogram. If you have questions that remain unanswered, please call your physician or

call the Dubuque Internal Medicine Echocardiographic technologist at 563-557-9111.

ECHOCARDIOGRAM