Echocardiography (Echo)
During Echo, harmless sound waves are bounced off your heart, then beamed back and converted to images on a screen. These images show how well your heart muscle and valves are working. It also shows how large your heart is. A Sonographer, a specially trained technologist, will be the one performing the test.
Getting Ready
When you schedule your test, ask if you should eat or take any medications on the day of your test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the chest. Arrive early to check in. The test itself takes less than 45 minutes.
What Happens During an Echo
You will be asked to remove the clothing on your upper body and be given a gown. Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat. A device (transducer) coated with cool gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates the sound waves that make images of your heart.. At times, you may be asked to exhale and not breathe if for a few seconds. Air in the lungs can affect the images. The images are recorded so the Cardiologist can review them later. After obtaining the necessary information, the Sonographer will remove the transducer and electrodes.
The results of the exam will be sent to your Doctor and they will contact you with the report.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Echo Lab at 701-364-4420 or 1-800-437-4054 and ask for extension 4420.
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
The Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is used to optimize visualization of the cardiac structures and to confirm or rule out cardiac abnormalities. It is most often performed when the regular transthoracic approach proves to be sub optimal, or if further diagnostic information is needed.
Before Your Test
Plan on being here for at least 2-3 hours. It is important that you DO NOT EAT OR DRINK anything after midnight the day before the test. Be sure to mention the medications you take and ask if it’s okay to take them before the test. Please bring all the medications that you are currently taking in the labeled prescription bottles, including your insulin. Tell your doctor if you have ulcers, a hiatal hernia, or any trouble swallowing, or if you have any allergies to any medications or sedatives.
You will receive sedation medication during the test; please be sure to arrange transportation home with a responsible adult driver, because you CANNOT drive after the procedure.
During Your TEE
When you arrive for your TEE, you will be taken into a testing room and asked to remove the clothing on your upper body and be given a gown to wear. Small pads (electrodes) are place on your chest to monitor your heartbeat. An intravenous (IV) line is started in your arm so a mild sedative can be given to help relax you. Your throat is sprayed with a numbing agent to help reduce your gag reflex. You will be given oxygen through a nasal cannula. Then you’ll be asked to lie on your left side.
The doctor gently inserts the probe into your month. As you swallow, the tube is slowly guided into your esophagus. A nurse monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the procedure. The test itself usually takes around 10 minutes. Prep and recovery time take up the major of the procedure.
After the Test
A complete report of the findings of this test will be sent to your physician.
The Cardiologist performing the procedure will go over the finding with you before you leave. You will not be able to eat for two hours after the procedure because of the numbing agent used on your throat.
If you have any question or concerns, please contact the Echo Lab at 701-362-4420 or the Cardiology department at 701-364-4400.
Stress Echocardiography (Echo)
Stress echocardiography, or stress Echo is a test that records images of your heart before and after exercise. By comparing the images, your doctor can tell whether your heart is getting enough blood to meet its increased demand for oxygen.
Before Your Test
It is important for this test that you are able to walk on a treadmill at an incline, moving at a fast pace. If you feel you can not walk on the treadmill, please inform your Physician. There are other tests that can provide the same information without the use of a treadmill. Be sure to mention the medications you take and ask if it’s okay to take them before your test. Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before the test. Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. You will need to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. Allow at least 2 hours from your arrival to the time you can leave.
During Your Test
A transducer ( a small device that produces sound waves) and gel are placed on your chest to record images of your heart at rest. Your blood pressure will be monitored, and electrodes are attached to your chest to record an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that records the pattern of your heartbeat.
Next, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill until your heart rate reaches a peak rate best figured for you. During the test, be sure to tell the health care provider if you feel any chest, arm, or jaw discomfort, severe shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness.
Finally, a technologist records a second set of video images of your heart immediately after you finish exercising.
After the Test
The cardiologist performing the procedure will discuss the results with you.
A complete report will also be sent to your Doctor.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Echo Lab at 701-364-4420 or 1-800-437-4054 and ask for extension 4420.
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography (Echo)
This type of echocardiogram is used to determine the presence of heart disease in patients who are unable to exercise due to physical or other limitations. Instead of walking on a treadmill to increase the heart rate, the drug Dobutamine is used.
Before Your Test
Mention what medicines you take and ask if you should take any before the test. Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before your procedure. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing. You will need to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. Allow at least two hours from your arrival to the time you can leave.
During Your Test
An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your arm. Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to record your heartbeat. Your heart and blood pressure are monitored during and after the test. A painless device (transducer) coated with cool gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates sound waves that make images of your heart.
Dobutamine is then given through the IV to slowly increase your heart rate. It is normal to feel your heart pound for a few minutes. Echo images are taken during different stages of the infusion of the Dobutamine. Be sure to tell the doctor if you feel any of the following during the test: chest, arm, or jaw discomfort, irregular heartbeat, flushed, short of breath, nausea, or headache.
After Your Test
The Cardiologist performing the procedure will discuss the results with you.
A complete report will also be sent to your Doctor.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Echo Lab at 701-364-4420 or 1-800-437-4054 and ask for extension 4420.
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