The Resting 2-Dimensional/Doppler Echocardiogram is used to assess cardiac function by evaluating how well the heart muscle contracts and how the heart valves work.
No special preparation is needed.
We obtain a brief history emphasizing current symptoms and pertinent family history. We will take your blood pressure. You will be asked to change clothes from the waist up and wear a patient gown. EKG patches are attached to three spots on your chest to observe the heart rhythm during the entire test.
The room is darkened slightly for the sonographer to better see the picture of your heart. You will lie on your left side. A technician places a cool gel on your skin and you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time while we take different pictures of your heart. High frequency sound waves are reflected through the chest wall to the heart and then reflected back to produce an actual image of your heart.
The entire test takes about 30 to 45 minutes.