Echocardiogram - Markham Stouffville Hospital

FAQSAm I exposed to radiation?No, we only use sound waves. Thistest draws on the same technology weuse for doing ultrasound tests onpregnant women.Can I eat or drink before theechocardiogram?Yes, there are no restrictions to foodor liquids for this exam.Do I stop taking my medicationsbefore an echocardiogram?No, your medication will not affect thetest.Can you see if the arteries aroundmy heart are clogged?No, this test is not able to view thesmall vessels around the heart.Location:Diagnostic services is locatedon the second floor of Building Bat the Markham Site.Diagnostic services is locatedon the first floor of the hospitalat the Uxbridge Site.Your appointment has beenscheduled for:Date: _________________Time: _________________Please bring your OHIPhealth card with you andarrive 30 minutes beforeyour appointment time.If you are feeling unwell, have ahigh temperature, cough or sorethroat on or before the day of yourappointment, please call theScheduling Centre to rescheduleyour appointment.(06/13)EchocardiogramPatient InformationPatient Information

What to ExpectWhat is an echocardiogram?An echocardiogram is a non-invasiveultrasound test for the heart. Wedetermine the structure, function andsize of the heart by using ultrasoundwaves. We also measure the directionand velocity of blood flow. Placing atransducer on the chest produces a realtime image. The resulting image allowsthe cardiologist to assess the functionof the heart chambers, walls andvalves.Physicians order this test for patientswhen they have symptoms orconditions such as:Abnormal heart sounds, suchas heart murmursChest pain and myocardialinfarction (heart attack)Shortness of breathFamily history of cardiacabnormalitiesArrhythmias or irregular heartbeatArtificial heart valvesBeforeThere is no preparation needed before yourtest. It is best to wear comfortable clothingthat is easy to remove.Please do not wear perfume on the day ofyour test.DuringPlease allow at least 45 minutes tocomplete your echocardiogram.You will only need to remove clothing fromthe waist up and we provide women with agown. You can leave pants, shoes andjewellery on.You will be lying on your left side for mostof the test and the room will be darkened.You will feel pressure around the heart areafrom the transducer the sonographer uses.We also test the blood flow through yourheart and you will hear a computerizedinterpretation of your heart sounds.Some patients may be sensitivearound the breast area and feel thepressure of the transducer that istaking the images. This is normal.Please let the sonographer know ifyou are feeling pain.AfterThere are no side effects from anechocardiogram. Results of your testwill be sent to your doctor.