cardiac echo test

[anniemae]

Hi,

Has anyone had this test done? If so, what was it like? How long did it take? My dr. ordered one for me, but I was just wondering what to expect.

Thanks!

 

[momof5boys]

Hi! If it's just a 2D cardiac echo it's just like getting an ultrasound. They put gel on you chest and use an ultrasound probe to get pictures. They will have you lie on your side and then your back. It's easy the only uncomfortable part is that you are somewhat exposed and sometimes they have to press alittle hard to get the views they need. Only takes about 30 mins. Hope that helps! Mine came back normal, had one this time because of palpitations, had one 9yrs ago during pregnancy for rapid heartrate. My hormones hate me!

 

[Christine]

Hi! If it's just a 2D cardiac echo it's just like getting an ultrasound. They put gel on you chest and use an ultrasound probe to get pictures. They will have you lie on your side and then your back. It's easy the only uncomfortable part is that you are somewhat exposed and sometimes they have to press alittle hard to get the views they need. Only takes about 30 mins. Hope that helps! Mine came back normal, had one this time because of palpitations, had one 9yrs ago during pregnancy for rapid heartrate. My hormones hate me!

I had the same test--very easy.

If it is a stress echo, they will do an ultrasound first, then have you run on a treadmill with a monitor on and get you REALLY out of breath. Then they will put you back on the ultrasound table and do an ultrasound while your heart is pounding. Tiring but easy.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

There are two types of echocardiograms. Assuming it's the less invasive and more common, they put gel on your chest and do it just like any ultrasound. The gel is cool and it can be slightly uncomfortable with the probe going around your **** (if you are a woman) but that's about it. Mine turned out to be perfectly fine.

 

[Straycat]

My 3 yr old DS had an echocardiogram a few weeks ago for a heart murmer. It was very quick and easy. They spent the most time (10-15 minutes) taking pictures and video of the heart via a little ultrasound wand but took a couple pics near his throat and by his stomach too.

No need to worry yourself about the actual procedure. Hope your results come back great!

 

[donac]

I agree that this is an easy test. It is fascinating to watch. I was with my mom when she had one done and then I had one done. Some of them press harder that other and it may depend on size. MY mom hated hers because she was larger than and they had to press pretty hard to get a good picture.

Good luck. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

 

[aprilgail2]

I have it done every year- takes about 10 minutes tops and its very easy. Just like getting an ultrasound when you are pregnant. Very gooey LOL.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I had an echo about 15 years ago and remember the tech really jamming the probe between my ribs and it hurt. She said my ribs were unusually close together and she was having a hard time getting a good picture.

Fast forward to last August when I had another one. I was dreading the pain! It turned out to be no big deal. There was no rib jamming this time at all. I mentioned to the tech that the last one was painful and she said the technology has changed since then. They now have better equipment and were able to get a good picture without bruising me! I've had both the regular echo where they just take pictures and a stress echo where they take pictures before and after running on a treadmill. It was reassuring because the doctor was able to see my heart working and he said it was fine. I used to get palpitations at night but haven't had them much since I found out my heart was fine. Anxiety can do strange things to a person!