What you should know (ECG - Echocardiogram)

There are no special instructions for this test.  You may take your medications and eat as you normally would unless you are preparing for another test on the same day.
Please allow at least 45 minutes to complete your ECG test.
You will only need to remove clothing from the waist up and we provide women with a gown.  You can leave pants, shoes and jewellery on.  It is best to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.
You will be lying on your left side for most of the test and the room will be darkened.  You will feel pressure around the heart area from the transducer the sonographer uses.  We also test the blood flow through your heart and you will hear a computerized interpretation of your heart sounds. Our cardiologist will send the results of your test to your physician in writing.  Your sonographer is not able to give you the results of your ECG.
There are no side effects of an echocardiogram, and no radiation is used.  This test uses the same technology as any ultrasound test.