What you can expect

During the procedure

An echocardiogram can be done in the doctor's office or a hospital.

For a standard transthoracic echocardiogram:

• You'll undress from the waist up and lie on an examination table or bed.
• The technician will attach sticky patches (electrodes) to your body to help detect and conduct your heart's electrical currents.
• The technician will also apply a gel to the transducer that improves the conduction of sound waves.
• The technician will move the transducer back and forth over your chest to record images of sound-wave echoes from your heart. You may hear a pulsing "whoosh," which is the ultrasound recording the blood flowing through your heart.
• You may be asked to breathe in a certain way or to roll onto your left side.

If you have a transesophageal echocardiogram:

• Your throat will be numbed with a spray or gel
• You'll be given a sedative to help you relax
• The tube containing the transducer will be guided down your throat and into your esophagus, and positioned to obtain images of your heart

Most echocardiograms take less than an hour. If you have a transesophageal echocardiogram, you may be watched for a few hours at the doctor's office or hospital after the test.

After the procedure

Most people can resume their normal daily activities after an echocardiogram.

If your echocardiogram is normal, no further testing may be needed. If the results are concerning, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist) for more tests.