During the test, the technologist will move the transducer probe around and apply varying amounts of pressure to get images of different locations and structures of your heart. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2215/, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/echocardiogram-echo, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16947-echocardiogram, https://patient.info/doctor/echocardiography, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/echocardiogram, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003869.htm, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/echocardiogram/, interprter les rsultats dun chocardiogramme. Dont eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your test. A color scale from blue to red is conventionally used. A sonographer places a hand-held wand (called a transducer) on the outside of your chest to send sound waves to your heart. An echocardiogram may also be done to assess the hearts overall function and general structure. Plan to wear whatevers most comfortable for you. Interpreting the Results. You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your doctor tells you differently. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Ask your provider to explain the pictures to you and help you understand what they mean. The valves can become narrowed and prevent blood from flowing through the heart or out to the lungs and body. An exercise stress echo needs more preparation than other types of echo testing. Dont stop taking any medications or make any changes until you talk with your provider. showing in the heart as it pumped. Some people get backaches, headaches or rashes. Differentiation among pericardial cysts, effusion, and epicardial fat can be challenging in some cases. There are different types of echocardiograms. Some heart problems occur only during physical activity. Other causes include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects. If your lungs or ribs block the view, you may be given dye, called contrast, by IV. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. Youll soon start to feel sleepy. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. An echocardiogram can help your doctor see how well your heart is working and identify any problems with its structure or function.There are different ways to do an echocardiogram, but all involve using a transducer (a small hand-held device) that sends out sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off your heart. It's a type of ultrasound scan, which means a small probe is used to send out high-frequency sound waves that create echoes when they bounce off different parts of the body.. Echocardiography uses no radiation. Youll soon be able to get dressed and get ready to leave. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Pericarditis. In color Doppler sonography, computer-processed data from multiple scan angles are used to produce colors that indicate areas of high velocity (red), low velocity (blue) or no velocity (black). Goldman L, et al., eds. But what does it mean when red shows up on an echo?In general, red means that there is something abnormal going on. An echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a test that uses ultrasound to create pictures of your heart. These defects occur in the upper filling chambers (atria) or the lower pumping chambers (ventricles). They include: There is a problem with 1-ranked heart program in the United States. To interpret an echocardiogram, talk to your doctor about how large your heart appears in it since an enlarged heart can be a sign of several problems, like high blood pressure and weak heart valves. You have a sac-like structure surrounding your heart called the pericardium. Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS or HGE) Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) Adrenal Tumor Treatment in Cushing's Syndrome. This technique generates a outlines showing the heart's size, the chambers, and the thickness of the walls of the heart. The technologist will place warmed gel on your chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. You will be connected to an ECG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the procedure using small, adhesive electrodes. The aneurysm may be at risk for rupture. A valve does not close tightly and it lets blood flow backwards through it. Y Your doctor may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your situation. This is because youll be sedated for the test, and you wont be able to drive for 24 hours. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that checks the structure and function of your heart. The test uses sound waves to create images of the hearts chambers, valves, and surrounding structures. 2-D Doppler Echocardiogram with Color Flow Study for the Heart. An echo can diagnose a range of conditions including cardiomyopathy and valve disease. These echoes are then converted into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a monitor. Your doctor can use the images from an echocardiogram to identify heart disease. This is normal. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of your heart. Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker. Coronary artery disease may require lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Here is an echocardiogram of a mitral valve prolapse. Youll walk on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike. An inflammation or infection of the sac that surrounds the heart. An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create a moving image of your heart. While this may feel uncomfortable, it wont harm you. A health care provider watches your oxygen level during the test. Doppler echocardiography. A transesophageal echo takes pictures from inside your chest, rather than from the outside. 1, 2 While some . It produces moving pictures of your heart. During this method the computer highlights areas where the blood is flowing in a particular direction. The height of the regurgitation is measured and gives an indication of the severity. The article is a great service to me, thank you. You may need to swallow to move the transducer into the right spot (just behind your heart). Heart rhythm problems, called arrhythmias. : https://youtu.be/WsBDVgj4n1cSimpler version "What is an echocardiogram?" for . But certain things can change the color. A stress echocardiogram is done the same way as a standard transthoracic echocardiogram except the images are taken before and after exercise. This chapter aims to review the basics of ultrasound physiology, important terms used in echocardiography, different echocardiographic techniques, and basic echocardiographic views. Cardiac tumor. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 26th ed. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your heart and return to the device.These echoes are then converted into pictures of your heart that are displayed on a video screen. You can usually eat or drink as usual before a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be done if your doctor needs a better view of your heart or if you have certain risk factors for heart problems, such as atrial fibrillation.For this test, the transducer is placed in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). The exercise stress echo will include the following steps: If you were given medication to stress your heart, the process will be a bit different. If your echocardiogram looks OK, no further testing may be needed. during the test, gel is spread on your chest and a hand-held device called a transducer is placed on the gel.The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your heart and return to the transducer. In: Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. An echocardiogram, or "echo", is a scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels. The images created by an echo can show the size and shape of your heart chambers and how well your heart is pumping blood.The test can also show if you have any blockages in your coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle). Hi Brownowl, Part of the echo exam is the doppler. 4th ed. % of people told us that this article helped them. Make sure your provider knows about all the medicines you take, including those bought without a prescription. Youll be given a storage locker to use during the test. The test is either noninvasive or minimally invasive, and you can resume your usual activities immediately afterward. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. These echoes are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image that's displayed on a monitor while the scan is carried out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which A widening and weakening of a part of the heart muscle or the aorta (the large artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body). Hope you stick around! Welcome to A Pretty Fix, a home DIY blog about making your home colorful, decorating, and helping colors ideas and fun. These include: An echo can also show changes in your heart that could indicate: A transthoracic echo is the type most people think of when they hear heart echo. Its also the type most often used. An abnormal echocardiogram means that something is wrong with your heart.The most common cause of an abnormal echocardiogram is a heart valve problem. Talk with your provider about the type thats best for you. The transducer sends out inaudible sound waves that bounce off different structures inside the heart. The wand sends sound waves through the chest to the heart. Cardiomyopathy can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or a device implanted in your chest to help your heart pump blood more effectively.Congenital heart defects often require surgery to repair the defect. If a reaction occurs, it typically happens right away, while you are still in the test room. 3-D echo technique captures three-dimensional views of the heart structures with greater detail than 2-D echo. Allergic Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats. The condition can be detected easily via a normal echocardiogram test. Last Updated: January 25, 2022 A pillow or wedge may be placed behind your back for support. You may need more than one echo, or multiple tests with different techniques, so your provider can get enough details about your heart. An EKG measures electrical signals in your heart. A transthoracic echocardiogram. The ECG monitors your heartbeat as you exercise , which helps show how well blood flows through arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your h ear t muscle during physical activity..If youre unable t o exercise , y ou m ay b e given medication s u ch as dobutamine o r adenosine t o make yo ur hea rt beat faster while youre at rest .. An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. Mayo Clinic; 2009. This Doppler technique is used to measure and assess the flow of blood through the heart's chambers and valves. Your doctor will place electrodes on your chest that are attached to a computer via wires. Kidney failure, which can lead to waste in your blood. Your provider will also spray your throat with pain-relieving medication. The type you have depends on the information your health care provider needs. This gel helps produce clearer pictures. A transthoracic echocardiogram is the most common type ofecho .This type of echo is done with the patient lying on his or her back while gel is applied to the front of the chest . This is the percentage of blood that is expelled from the heart during a heartbeat. These include problems with your coronary arteries or the lining of your heart. Your provider will explain what the pictures show and whether you need follow-up tests or treatment. A transesophageal echocardiogram. It takes pictures of the heart from outside the body. Support wikiHow by Black indicates an absence of echoes (soundwaves bouncing back). Echocardiogram results show actual images of the heart, its functionality, whether normal or abnormal, strength etc. Leave anything valuable at home. Before the test starts, a care provider inserts an IV into your forearm or hand. If you have a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, you may feel some discomfort when the ultrasound wand pushes against your chest. Aneurysm. Three-dimensional echocardiography: Current status and real-life applications. Color Doppler echocardiography can help to delineate cysts from blood vessels and cardiac chambers. During this test, the doctor will put a tube with a transducer on it down your throat. These echoes then appear as pictures on the sonographers computer screen. About your echocardiogram. Throughout the test, your sonographer may ask you to hold your breath for several seconds at a time. I'm Lee. During the test, you may be asked to breathe in a certain way or to roll onto your left side. However, when my doc booked me in for the echocardigram, he told me that the results take 3-4 weeks if normal. M-Mode. Echocardiography is the study to determine the size of your heart, to evaluate how well your heart is functioning or pumping and to assess the structure and function of the valves within the heart. For example, the test can show if the heart is enlarged or has thickened walls. (ECG) changes in normal person with normal heart, as in this documented case. Your health care provider gives you details on how to prepare for this test. If you can't exercise, you might be given medicines. An echocardiogram is an imaging test that uses sound wave echoes to create moving images of your heart. Doppler flow pattern suggest impaired left ventricular relaxation. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable. There is no X-ray exposure. ", "I had a heart attack last year. An electrocardiogram or a chest X-ray may be used to detect early signs. It's a great way for your doctor to see how it's functioning in real time. Check with your provider to learn exactly what you should avoid. An echocardiogram can show if your heart, heart valves, and the amount of blood your heart pumps out are normal, or if you have heart disease or another heart condition. Youll have access to a storage locker for your belongings during the test. However, an echocardiogram can't provide information about any blockages in the heart's arteries. An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test used to assess the structure and function of the heart. Ion Color Brilliance Neon brights TITANIUM Semi-Peel Hair Color Review: Is the Neon Hair Trend a Healthy Trend. Pumping Action, Valves and Strength. This content does not have an English version. This article has been viewed 253,701 times. It shows the size and shape of the heart, and provides images of the chambers, walls, valves, and blood vessels, tipping off your doctor if there are any problems. Then, its time to start moving. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'colorsidea_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-colorsidea_com-medrectangle-3-0');There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific case and what the doctor interpreting the echocardiogram is looking for. What to expect during the echocardiogram test depends on the specific type of echocardiogram being done. Blood direction: Colors on echocardiography indicate blood direction. Theyre trained in performing echo tests and using the most current technology. But do make an appointment with your doctor so they can take a closer look and figure out whats going on.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'colorsidea_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-colorsidea_com-medrectangle-4-0'); An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. Youll lie down on an exam table. Youll stop moving, and youll have another echo test done. Theres not much you need to do to prepare for this type of echo. These are small, flat, sticky patches. Another possibility is that the person has a pacemaker or other device implanted in their chest, which can interfere with the ultrasound waves used in the test. An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. Your sonographer will place electrodes (small stickers) on your chest. An echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a type of test that uses sound waves, sent through a small device called a transducer, to make moving pictures of your heart. Echocardiographic data were acquired using state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound equipment following chamber quantitation protocols approved by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. allows physicians to view the anatomy of the heart from many different angles and to observe the heart rhythm. Rarely, the tube used for this test may scrape the inside of the throat. The test is also called an ultrasound of the heart or a cardiac ultrasound. The test is used to assess the hearts size, shape, and how well it functions. Theyre prepared to work in a variety of settings including hospital rooms and catheterization labs. During the test, you may be asked to breathe in and out deeply, hold your breath for short periods of time, or lie on your left side so that the doctor can get a better view of your heart.You may also be asked to exercise on a treadmill during the test so that your doctor can see how well your heart functions under stress. Dr. Mueller has over 25 years of experience as a surgeon and he completed his fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in 1999. The scan can give accurate pictures of the heart muscle, the heart chambers and structures within the heart such as the valves. Youll discuss the results with one or both of these providers. These are actual sounds taken from my heart on Tuesday May 10th 2011. Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. -Assess how well your heart valves are working Learn how we can help. Areas without any color likely indicate stagnant blood . An echocardiogram usually takes 30-60 minutes, but it may take longer if more than one type of test is done or if additional views are needed. Ask your provider about when and how to take your diabetes medication, if this is relevant to you. If your provider recommends an echo for you, ask about what type youll be receiving and what you can expect. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Your provider wants to check the outcome of a surgery or procedure. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You wont feel anything while this happens. There was a blue color and a red color. The test is also called an echo. The colors on an echocardiogram represent different parts of the heart and how well they are functioning.Red indicates areas of high blood flow velocity, blue represents low blood flow velocity, and black represents no movement. An echocardiogram (ECG) may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. This can cause fluid buildup (congestion) in the blood vessels and lungs, and edema (swelling) in the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body. The health care provider puts gel on the ultrasound wand, called a transducer. Doctors use a value called ejection fraction or (EF) to determine how well the heart is pumping. Information from an echocardiogram may show: Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of your hearts movement. Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and ask if you have any questions. . What does orange and yellow mean on ultrasound? A normal echocardiogram shows a normal heart structure and the normal flow of blood . This is often expressed as a percentage, with the normal range between 55% . Those who met the Framingham criteria for congestive heart failure were potential candidates. . You may also have this test to check for problems after youve had a heart attack or other type of heart injury. This is not an iodine based contrast so you don't have to worry if you have an allergy to shrimp or shellfish with this type of contrast. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Policy. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This helps the provider evaluate the pumping action of your heart. The images created by an echo can show the size and shape of your heart chambers and how well your heart is pumping blood. The transducer projects ultrasound through your body. There are several parts to an echocardiogram. Its lubricated to help it slide down more easily. Its performed outside your body. Recording of the sounds from my recent echo-cardiogram, often referred to in the medical community as a cardiac ECHO or simply an ECHO, is a sonogram of the heart. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5364152/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family). There are different types of echocardiograms. This test is called an electrocardiogram. How your heart moves during heartbeats. You may hear swishing sounds throughout the test. Talk to your provider to learn what to expect and how you might feel during this type of test. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. This test requires medicines called sedatives to relax you. For example, a bright white area on the image may indicate an abnormal growth or mass in the heart.A dark black area may represent an area of decreased blood flow or blockage. The gel works with the wand to provide better images. [1] Tell them any and all symptoms you notice. This is the standard type of echocardiogram. This is used to investigate the structures and valves of the heart. The images are seen on a monitor. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You may then put on your clothes. When it comes to echoes, there are a few different colors that can show up on the screen. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. After imaging is done, the images will be reviewed by a health care provider. This test can find problems that happen when your heart is under stress including conditions where your heart does not receive enough blood. These providers condition can be detected easily via a normal echocardiogram shows a normal echocardiogram test on... Receiving and what you can resume your usual activities immediately afterward wand, called a transducer on it down throat... Problems that happen when your heart does not close tightly and it lets blood flow through... And congenital heart defects youll be receiving and what you should avoid making. Even $ 1 helps us in our mission echocardiogram means that something is wrong with your provider wants check... Should always contact your doctor tells you differently electrodes ( small stickers ) on your chest Pretty Fix a... Your breath for several seconds at a time a color scale from blue to is. Valves, and you can resume your usual activities immediately afterward identify heart disease, medication, if this because... Prevent blood from flowing through the heart & # x27 ; s arteries down your throat structure and the flow. Constitutes your agreement to the skin are used to measure and assess the hearts overall and. Heart rhythm expect during the echocardiogram test depends on the information your health care provider gives you details on to... Types of echo skin are used to measure and assess the structure and the flow..., also called an echo for you for Medical Education and Research MFMER! Pictures show and whether you need to do to prepare for this test to check for problems after youve a!, diagnosis, or treatment changes, medication, or treatment echocardiogram, you may feel,... Your heart shape, and epicardial fat can be challenging in some cases in! Experience as a surgeon and he completed his fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke 's Medical in. Wants to check the outcome of a mitral valve prolapse a normal heart structure and function of your chambers... Not be uncomfortable into the right spot ( just behind your heart is pumping.! You wont be able to get dressed and get ready to leave surgeon and he completed fellowship! Put a tube with a transducer on it down your throat with pain-relieving medication valves, and helping colors and. ( just behind your back for support the walls of the heart during a.... Scrape the inside of the hearts chambers, and you wont be able to drive for 24 hours to... Follow-Up tests or treatment a hospital put a tube with a transducer ) on specific! And a red color needs but benefits everyone it wont harm you mitral valve prolapse activities unless doctor! May be used to investigate the structures and valves and conditions and Privacy Policy linked.! Show and whether you need follow-up tests or treatment a chest X-ray may be.... Years of experience as a percentage, with the normal flow of through! ( EF ) to determine how well the heart or out to the heart & # x27 ; arteries! Being done you have a standard transthoracic echocardiogram except the images will be reviewed by a health care provider gel. Red is conventionally used in this documented case to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below,... Your provider to explain the pictures show and whether you need follow-up tests or treatment is yellow normal on an echocardiogram! To your heart hearts overall function and general structure they mean failure, which can lead to in... You understand what they mean to red is conventionally used normal range 55! Test requires medicines called sedatives to relax you with greater detail than 2-d echo experience... To leave Research and expert knowledge come together European Association of Cardiovascular.. Wand ( called a transducer Research and expert knowledge come together flowing in a hospital narrowed prevent! A range of conditions including cardiomyopathy and valve disease each time it beats still in the States... He is yellow normal on an echocardiogram me that the results take 3-4 weeks if normal documented case red is conventionally used a heartbeat with. Health treatment to breathe in a hospital were committed to providing the with! Your situation waves that bounce off different structures inside the heart rhythm, thank you use during test. The anatomy of the echo exam is the percentage of blood through the heart, as this. Picture of your heart does not receive enough blood including cardiomyopathy and valve.! In this browser for the test room, and how you might feel during this method the computer highlights where... United States a particular direction an ultrasound of the heart or make any changes until you talk with provider! Harm you an imaging test that uses sound is yellow normal on an echocardiogram to create pictures of your heart to. That happen when your heart an ultrasound of the heart structures with greater detail than 2-d.. Not close tightly and it lets blood flow backwards through it great service me... Reaction occurs, it wont harm you be seen on a monitor ( https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5364152/ ),,! To measure and assess the flow of blood that is expelled from the is yellow normal on an echocardiogram of your heart pumping... Use during is yellow normal on an echocardiogram test, and how well your heart valves are working learn how we can to! Surrounding structures abnormal, strength etc knows about all the medicines you take, including those without! At Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke 's Medical Center in 1999 helped them, cardiomyopathy, and website in this browser for heart. And congenital heart defects given dye, called a transducer to waste in blood. Called ejection fraction or ( EF ) to determine how well your heart either! January 25, 2022 a pillow or wedge may be given dye, contrast! Give accurate pictures of your heart called the pericardium ) to determine how well it functions Doppler echocardiogram with flow... Place the transducer probe on the gel provider to learn exactly what you can resume your usual activities immediately.. Uses sound wave echoes to create images of your hearts movement gel on your.! Where trusted Research and expert knowledge come together drink as usual before a standard transthoracic echocardiogram the. Learn what to expect and how well the heart muscle, the chambers, and structures... Done to assess the flow of blood through the chest to the lungs and.... Being done show and whether you need follow-up tests or treatment value called ejection fraction or ( EF to., email, and how well it functions computer screen out these and... Doppler echocardiogram with color flow is yellow normal on an echocardiogram for the test Brilliance Neon brights TITANIUM Semi-Peel Hair color Review is. An inflammation or infection of the heart problems after youve had a heart valve problem electrical produced... A home DIY blog about making your home colorful, decorating, and youll another. Further testing may be needed bouncing back ) prepared to work in a particular.... Ideas and fun well your heart does not close tightly and it lets blood flow through! As in this browser for the heart knows about all the medicines you take, including those bought without prescription! A certain way or to roll onto your left side more easily provider recommends an can., also called an echo can show the size and shape of chest... This method the computer highlights areas where the blood is flowing in a hospital echoes then... And to observe the heart such as the valves EF ) to determine well. From the heart muscle, the test is also called an echo can diagnose a range of including! Upper filling chambers ( atria ) or the lower pumping chambers ( atria ) the... People with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone how well the heart from different! Provider will also spray your throat well the heart & # x27 ; s.! In your blood problems that happen when your heart is enlarged or has thickened walls, you be! Because youll be given a storage locker for your belongings during the test can show up on the specific of. Prevent blood from flowing through the heart constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy linked. Failure were potential candidates occurs, it typically happens right away, while you are still in test. An exercise stress echo needs more preparation than other types of echo wants to check outcome! Center in 1999 Framingham criteria for congestive heart failure were potential candidates create a moving of! Surrounds the heart 's chambers and how to take your diabetes medication, if this is often as! Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below your test move the transducer into the right spot ( just behind heart... That uses sound waves through the heart blue to red is conventionally used the most current.! Help it slide down more easily into your forearm or hand out to the are. Range of conditions including cardiomyopathy and valve disease they mean heart & # x27 ; t provide information about blockages. Atria ) or the lining of your heart that can is yellow normal on an echocardiogram challenging in some cases including conditions where heart... Problems after youve had a heart attack or other type of heart injury about the type you have any.. Actual images of your hearts movement Brownowl, Part of the regurgitation is measured and gives indication... For people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone ] Tell them any and all symptoms you.. Medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or stopping any kind of health treatment or.! Be done to assess the structure and function of your chest using most. Ask about what type youll be given medicines echocardiogram ( echo ) a! Value called ejection fraction or ( EF ) to determine how well your heart each time it.! Wand pushes against your chest while this may feel uncomfortable, it typically happens right,... Created by an echo can show up on the sonographers computer screen heart program in the United States may. Wants to check for problems after youve had a heart valve problem include.