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.
Follow these steps to ensure the best possible imaging and a smooth appointment.
You can eat and drink normally before your echocardiogram. There is no need to restrict food or fluids.
Choose a loose-fitting, two-piece outfit. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. Avoid one-piece dresses or jumpsuits.
Unless your doctor has specifically told you otherwise, take all regular medications on your normal schedule before the appointment.
The imaging itself takes about 45 minutes. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to complete any paperwork and get settled.
No sedation is used. You are completely alert throughout and can drive yourself to and from the appointment.
While fasting is not required, avoid an unusually large meal immediately before the scan. Light eating is fine.
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.
No referral needed. $397 all-inclusive. Results from a board-certified cardiologist within 24–48 hours.