Preperation: This allows for you to be hydrated which gives the technician better pictures of the heart tissue and valves. You do NOT need to hold your bladder.

What to expect: An echocardiogram is performed by a licensed technician and the doctor interprets the results. You will be provided with a garment and asked to remove your clothes from the waist up. You will be asked to lie on an examination table on your back. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to allow for an EKG to be done.

A gel will be spread on your chest and then the ultrasound probe will be applied. You will feel slight pressure on your chest from the ultrasound probe. You may be asked to breathe in a certain way or to roll over onto your left side.

The test takes less than an hour to perform.