Echocardiogram

Ultrasound is a safe, painless, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that bounces high-frequency sound waves off parts of the body and captures the returning “echoes” as images. There is no radiation (X-Ray) associated with ultrasound.

Rock Creek Imaging offers an ultrasound technology called an echocardiogram, also commonly called an echo, which is an ultrasound of the heart's movement.  During the test an ultrasound transducer or hand held wand is placed on the chest and is used to provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers to help the sonographer to evaluate the pumping action of the heart.  It is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate the blood flow across the heart's valves and may become "noisy" when checking the speed of the blood flow through the valves.  Our registered Echo technologist is a competent, caring, trained professional and is certified by the nationally known organization American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

What to Expect During an Echocardiogram Procedure:

You may eat or drink as you normally would before your exam.  You may also take all of your medications at the usual times as prescribed by your doctor.  There are no advanced preparations for an echo.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a gown.  During the exam, you will lie comfortably on a cushioned table with the lights dimmed and 3 electrodes (small flat sticky patches) will be placed on your chest.   Warm gel is applied to the area of interest and a small transducer is placed against your skin.  You may be asked to hold your breath and will be laying on your back or side.  Typically an echocardiogram takes around 30 minutes to complete and there should be no pain during the exam.