What is an echocardiogram?
Echocardiography (or heart ultrasound) provides the pediatric cardiologist with moving images of your child's heart. It can let the doctor know how the heart is contracting and whether there are heart defects such as holes within the heart or narrowed valves. Echocardiograms are done for many of the same reasons as electrocardiograms, providing additional information in diagnosing an enlarged heart, ischemia, pericarditis, valve disease and chest trauma.
No radiation is involved in echocardiography, and the procedure can be performed on fetuses, infants, children and adults to get information about how the heart is working.
What is a fetal echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a specialized ultrasound (“sono”) examination of the unborn baby's heart, and it is done after an abnormality is seen on routine OB ultrasound or when there is a suggestion in the family history that the pregnancy has an increased chance of having a heart problem. Learn more about fetal echocardiograms »
How does an echocardiogram work?
The echocardiogram works by using high-frequency sound waves that are reflected off the surfaces of the heart, and a picture is created on a TV monitor. The echocardiogram is non-invasive and performed by a specially trained pediatric cardiac sonographer. Electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor the ECG. Then, a transducer (which is like a microphone) is placed on the chest with warmed gel, two-dimensional and color-enhanced images then appear on the screen. This echocardiogram is similar to those done on pregnant women to see the unborn baby (See fetal echocardiogram).A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be ordered by the cardiologist when more invasive imaging is required. Again this uses sound waves, and the imaging is through the esophagus. This procedure requires a longer visit under sedation, and a pediatric cardiologist performs the echocardiogram. Board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists are responsible for your child's care.
Is the laboratory staff experienced and accredited?
Our echocardiography laboratory staff is dedicated to providing the highest standards for patient echocardiograms.
Our facility is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL), an independent agency providing peer reviews that recognize quality echocardiography diagnostic evaluations.
In addition, all our cardiac sonographers have pediatric and adult registry status through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, a globally recognized standard of excellence in sonography.
What else do I need to know?
Some frequently asked questions include the ones listed below. You can also review tips to help prepare in Your First Visit.
How long does an echocardiogram take? At least one hour. Please note that appointments for toddlers are best scheduled during their nap time so they may fall asleep during the test.
Are parents allowed in the procedure room with children? Yes! Parents are welcome, even expected, to be present during the exam. Tests are most successful when parents are with their child, helping to ease any fear and anxiety.
What should I bring? Please bring bottle for feeding, diapers, familiar toy, and pacifier. The hospital has a selection of children's DVDs and VHS tapes for your child to watch during the procedure.
How should I dress my child for an echocardiogram? Please dress your child comfortably, keeping in mind that sonographers need access to your child's chest and belly during the exam.