echocardiogram, what's it like?

[SnowyMouse]

I'm due to have an echocardiogram very soon, what is it like? what do they do and how long does it take?

my dh says: takes about 15/20 mins place some "gelly" on your heart/middle of chest area you will need to have part of chest area exposed so they can move the ultra sound probe around - not painful or uncomfortable at all - I asked dh would you need to remove bra he very helpfully said he didn't :) I think you will - its basically an ultra sound on the heart.

Thanks for that info

I have to remove my bra for mine. I put on a hospital gown, lie on my left-hand side with my left arm above my head and then keep still while the echo man (or woman) puts the gel on and then moves the sensor around my boob (not on it). For me it only takes about 10-15 minutes. I think it can take longer though. It's really not very exciting but because I get mine done in a private hospital (no idea why) I do get free cups of coffee in the waiting room. That's about the height of excitement for me

If you're having contrast dye injected it'll feel liked you've pissed yourself.... apparently

My DS has had a couple of them (he has a heart condition) apparently they do dig in a bit but not painful. His last one took about an hour and he had to raise his arm up and they rubbed it over his side/back as well as his chest.

Thanks TwitterQueen1, that's really helpful.

I had contrast with my last CT scan, it definitely had that effect! I don't know if I will or not.

Thanks FoxSquadKitten - sounds like I will be removing my bra.

I had one a couple years back. Yup had to remove bra and wear a gown.
I found parts of it a little uncomfortable (not so much the braless bit) as they held the sensor quite hard against my chest - sort of edge of sternum area. But it wasn’t bad, he knew it was uncomfortable so was as quick as could be during that part. It was quick too I think I was in with him for max 10mins, it’s a blur as we were talking about music . And I got to see my own heart working, it’s something I’ll not forget in a hurry - seeing the valves moving etc.
good luck OP hope all goes well!

You do have to remove your bra, but they will give you a gown so you don't feel too exposed. You lie on your side and may be asked to hold a handle on the bed, so they can get the images they need. Other than the cold jelly, they may have to press hard at times, almost under the ribs, which can be uncomfortable, but not painful. It's over in 15-20 mins and they will give you tissues to wipe the gel off. Good luck!

Thanks hendal. It sounds just like a regular ultrasound. Just hoping there aren't issues with transport etc.

Dd2 has had lots as she has a heart defect. Most recently was about 10-15 minutes, no bra but privacy protected with a gown and only the doctor and me in the room (paeds transition clinic). It's very straightforward.

And thanks sparkli, that's a really hepful description.

Thanks NorthernLurker

My dad had one . He is disabled so i was in the room with him to help.
He had to lie on his left side ..left arm above his head.

Think he was bare chested with a blanket sort of over him to keep warm.
Sonographer was behind him.
Dont know about bra but would would imagine it would all be dicreet and covered.
Sonographer did not "see" dads chest he was just looking at the screen ..

Oh he had to do some holding of breath breathing .

Hope that helps.

Thanks bizzey. That helps.

Wow i am sooo slow ! Got interupted .
Started my post after 2nd one

My hospital don't give you a gown. They just cover you with some tissue from the roll. So if you don't like feeling exposed there is that possibility.

That’s useful to know Effy

I have had loads. Generally, I have to remove all the top half and wear an open front hospital gown. In my experience, it can be a little sore but I have some tenderness from surgical scars and also a breast full of cysts. It’s all over quite quickly and, in my experience, one of the more pleasant and dignified hospital tests.

You sit there with your tits out while they stick the little electrode pads all over your chest and a couple on your legs and have to be quiet and still for about 10 minutes while the machine charts you. I watch it, usually.

"You sit there with your tits out.." Not in my hospital you don't. The staff are always concerned to protect your privacy and ask if you want a chaperone.

You sit there with your tits out while they stick the little electrode pads all over your chest and a couple on your legs and have to be quiet and still for about 10 minutes while the machine charts you. I watch it, usually.

This is an ECG surely? OP, you don’t need contrast medium for an echo. It’s an ultrasound.

Electrodes check the heart rhythm Alexa. They don't put them on your ankles for an echo but you do get them on your chest.

A contrast medium is not required - contrast is only injected for scans.

An echo is more sophisticated than an ECG as it draws a picture of how the heart is working rather than giving a readout. I found it fascinating to see my heart working on the screen...

It's basically an ultrasound of your heart!

Tits out ...what sort of help is that for the OP.
OP ..if it helps my ds has had othet areas scanned and had alwasys hated the " sticky" feeling after even with been given a paper towle to wipe with .

He found baby wipes really helped to "clean"

Hope it all goes well.

I've had one, to diagnose a mitral valve prolapse, my experience was that it was made clear my top half was to be without a bra, left to my own devices to remove all above the waist and was given a standard hospital gown to put on as a 'dressing gown' ( open part front facing as they need access). You can hold it in place for modesty but they do need to go under and around the breast.

First part I lay on my back on a bed next to the scanner, ultrasound gel was applied and the technician scanned relevant parts under the gown wherever possible- he was mostly looking at the screen tbh. He then asked me to turn to my side facing away. This was the worst bit (if you can even call it that) as at the end of the day what needs to be seen is under the breast so it was a little awkward and felt exposing but the technician was respectful and didn't have a need to touch my breast by any means than with the scanner trying to capture what was needed.
We chit chatted and just got it over with, he was very pleasant.Quite an odd situation as i suppose it feels intrusive but it is over quickly, my experience was totally fine. Took about 10 minutes if that. I went alone.

I've mentioned the technician was Male OP just in case this bothers you- it didn't me as I just wanted it done asap but I'm certain you could request a female technician for this, and are entitled to a chaperone.

No contrast is required and there are only electrode pads if they also requested an ECG (which you can keep a bra on for in my experience, especially if wearing non wired, they just tuck the pads under)

I got the results verbally at the time and an appt with a cardiologist a few weeks later to confirm and next steps.

It's a bit awkward but totally fine, and I found it uncomfortable at times but no severe pain. The discomfort is eg- pressing onto the chest/breast tissue to get a clear image.

I'd advise wearing easy to remove clothes OP, no fiddly stuff. Then you can get dressed quicker and feel normal again. Hope all goes well!