Echocardiogram

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and Doppler echocardiogram

You do not need any special preparation for a transthoracic or Doppler echocardiogram.

Stress echocardiogram

Do not eat heavily for a few hours before a stress echo to help prevent nausea. You may feel nauseated if you exercise with a full stomach or from the injection of dobutamine.

Wear flat, comfortable shoes (no bedroom slippers or sandals) and loose, lightweight shorts or sweatpants for an exercise stress echo.

Ask your doctor whether you should take your regular medicines as usual. Tell your doctor if you take insulin.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the TEE.

If you have dentures or dental prostheses, you may need to remove them before the test.

If you have medical problems involving the throat, esophagus, or stomach, tell your doctor before getting this test.

Before a TEE, you will be given a sedative. You will not be able to drive for at least 12 hours after the procedure. Be sure to make arrangements in advance for someone to pick you up after the test.

Before an echocardiogram, you may be asked to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of the test and agree to have it done.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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