A complete guide to preparing for your echocardiogram — everything from what to wear to what happens during the scan, and what your results will tell you.
Many patients have never had this type of scan before. Here is exactly what will happen — no surprises.
Completely painless and non-invasive. Ultrasound uses sound waves — no radiation, no needles, no discomfort. Most patients find the experience relaxing.
Check in and complete any intake paperwork. You will be shown to a private, quiet exam room.
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and lie on a comfortable exam table on your left side.
Small adhesive electrodes are placed to monitor your heart rhythm during the scan. This is painless.
A small amount of warm gel is applied to your chest. The sonographer gently moves a handheld probe across different areas of your chest to capture images from multiple angles.
The entire imaging process takes approximately 45 minutes. The sonographer focuses on capturing high-quality images. You will hear sounds — this is the Doppler measuring blood flow.
A board-certified cardiologist reviews your images and prepares your report. You receive it within 24–48 hours via secure email.
Your cardiologist report is written in plain language, but here are the specific measurements and terms you may encounter — and exactly what they mean.
The percentage of blood pumped out with each heartbeat. Normal range: 55–70%. Values below 40% indicate significant heart failure concern.
How well your heart relaxes and fills with blood between beats. Graded normal, mildly abnormal, moderately abnormal, or severely abnormal.
Each valve is assessed for stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (leaking), graded mild, moderate, or severe.
Each segment of the heart muscle is assessed for normal contraction. Abnormal motion can indicate prior heart attack or reduced blood supply.
Size measurements of all four chambers compared to normal reference ranges for your sex and body size.
Whether fluid is present around the heart. Small amounts may be normal; moderate or large requires follow-up.
Your report will clearly state whether follow-up is needed and how urgently. Here is what each outcome typically means.
No significant abnormalities. Share your report with your primary care physician. Consider repeat screening in 1–3 years based on your risk profile.
Minor findings that warrant monitoring. Your report will specify follow-up timing and any lifestyle recommendations.
Clinically significant findings requiring physician review. Your report will indicate appropriate urgency.
Findings requiring prompt evaluation. We will contact you directly in addition to delivering your report.
An echocardiogram requires minimal preparation. Here is what to know before your appointment.
Explore our clinical service page, related articles, and booking options for your echocardiogram.
No fasting is required for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit — you will need to remove clothing above the waist. Continue all medications as prescribed. The scan takes approximately 45 minutes and is completely painless.
A board-certified cardiologist reviews your echo images and delivers a written clinical report within 24–48 hours via secure email. The report covers ejection fraction, valve function, chamber dimensions, wall motion, and diastolic function.
BlackPoint Diagnostics is a direct-pay service at $397 per scan, all-inclusive. No insurance pre-authorization or referral is required. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
Yes. A transthoracic echocardiogram is completely non-invasive — no sedation, no needles, no contrast dye. You can drive, return to work, and resume all normal activities immediately after the scan.
Your cardiologist report will clearly describe any abnormal findings and recommend appropriate follow-up. Common findings may include reduced ejection fraction, valve abnormalities, or diastolic dysfunction. For significant findings, our team contacts you directly in addition to delivering your report.
No referral needed. $397 all-inclusive. Results from a board-certified cardiologist within 24–48 hours.