Echocardiography (Echo) Instructions

Appointment date and time:______________________________

During an echo, images of your heart appear on a monitor.

• Is safe and painless.

• Can be done in a hospital, test center, or doctor’s office.

• Bounces harmless sound waves (ultrasound) off the heart. A transducer (device that looks like a microphone) is used.

• Helps show the size of your heart. It also helps show the health of the heart’s chambers and valves

Location

Una Vie Cardiology Center, 2451 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville, IN. Highway 9 turn onto Intelliplex Drive (across the highway from Ashford Place Health Campus). Follow Intelliplex Drive to the last building on the left, the Intelliplex Medical Arts Building. Enter the building through the revolving glass door. Testing is done on the 1st floor, Suite 120.

For questions regarding the test, or to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call the UnaVie Cardiology Center: 317-421-1900.

Please give 24 hours notice for cancellations. Please arrive 10 minutes before your test to check in. 

Before Your Echo

• Discuss any questions you have with your doctor

• Prepare a list of all over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking.

• Wear a two-piece outfit for the test. You may be asked to remove clothing and jewelry from the waist up. If so, you’ll be given a short hospital gown.

During Your Echo

• Most echo tests take 30-45 minutes.

• Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.

• A 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 hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect the images.

• The transducer may also be used to do a Doppler study. This test measures the direction and speed of blood flowing through the heart. During the test, you may hear a “whooshing” sound. This is the sound of blood flowing through the heart.

• An IV may be started in your arm for a contrast agent or a specific type of study image is needed or ordered.

After Your Echo

• Return to normal activity unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

• Be sure to keep follow-up appointments.

Your Test Results

Your doctor will discuss your test results with you during a future office visit. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that are needed.