Echocardiogram

An Echocardiogram is a non-invasive test. During the test, a small microphone-like device called a transducer will send ultrasound waves that echo off various parts of your heart. The echo's are converted into a moving image of the heart. This image is displayed on a screen for your doctor to review.

The echocardiogram provides important information to your doctor such as:

• Size of the heart chambers
• Heart valve function
• The pumping action and blood flow of the heart

There are three parts to an Echocardiogram which include M-mode, 2-D, and color doppler. M-mode produces a tracing like image used for measuring heart chambers. 2-D shows the actual shape and motion of the heart. Color doppler shows blood direction by color changes seen on the monitor. You will hear swishing noises at this point of the test which is the blood flowing through the heart.

This test takes approximately 40 minutes and no special instructions prior to the test are necessary. You will be asked to take everything off from the waist up and put on a hospital gown with the opening in the front. The Echocardiogram technologist will apply three electrodes to your chest and ask you to lie on your left side. A gel similar to Vaseline will be applied to the transducer, and then the transducer is placed onto your chest. The technologist will apply some pressure on the transducer to obtain the heart images, which may result in minimal discomfort.

Please call 610-738-2600 to schedule a test.

Non-Invasive Cardiology is located on the ground floor of the pavilion and is accessible via the main entrance. A board-certified cardiologist will read the test and the results will be reported to the physician who ordered the test and to your primary care doctor.