What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often called an echo, is a noninvasive imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart. These images allow your care team to evaluate the heart’s structure, pumping strength, valve function, and blood flow.
Echocardiograms are commonly used because they are safe, do not use radiation, and provide detailed information that helps diagnose and monitor many heart conditions.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Diagnostic Imaging combines advanced cardiac imaging technology with experienced clinical teams to deliver accurate, efficient echocardiogram services across South Florida.
When you choose Baptist Health for echocardiogram imaging, you benefit from:
- Credentialed cardiac sonographers and board-certified cardiologists with specialized expertise
- High-quality ultrasound technology designed to capture detailed heart images
- Convenient locations with coordinated access to cardiology services
- A patient-focused experience centered on comfort, safety, and clear communication
Our imaging teams work closely with your provider to ensure results are delivered promptly and support informed diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Need a Prescription?
If you don’t have a prescription yet, our team can help. Baptist Health providers can review your risk factors and determine whether you qualify for screening.
Schedule Your Echocardiogram Today
Echocardiogram Locations Near You
Echocardiograms are available at multiple Baptist Health imaging locations. Choose a location to request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes. In most cases, you can eat and drink normally before a standard echocardiogram. If you are scheduled for a stress echocardiogram or a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), your care team may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Always follow the specific preparation instructions provided by your physician or imaging team.
-
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the exam so the technologist can access your chest. Avoid wearing jewelry or applying lotions or oils to your upper body, as these can interfere with the ultrasound probe and gel.
-
For a standard echocardiogram, there are usually no restrictions. For specialized exams such as a stress echocardiogram or TEE, your physician may ask you to avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or taking certain medications before your test. Follow the preparation instructions specific to your exam.
-
If you are having a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, you can usually drive yourself home afterward. If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) or a stress test that involves sedation, you will need someone to drive you home because sedation can affect alertness.
-
An echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) are different tests that provide complementary information about the heart. An EKG records the heart’s electrical activity and helps identify rhythm problems, prior heart attacks, or conduction issues. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart’s structure and motion, showing how well the heart muscle and valves are working. Providers often use both tests together to get a complete picture of heart health.
-
No, we do not use iodine in the image enhancing agent. If you have an allergy to iodine, you can safely get a contrast agent to enhance results of your echocardiogram.
-
An echocardiogram does not use radiation. It is a safe, noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. This makes it a preferred option for monitoring heart conditions in people who need repeated imaging, including children and during pregnancy.
-
Ozempic slows your digestion, which makes food stay in your stomach longer. If you are getting a TEE (with anesthesia), tell your provider if you are on Ozempic. You should have an empty stomach before getting anesthesia in advance of your TEE.
PineApp: Skip the Paperwork
Skip the waiting room paperwork by using our PineApp. Complete forms in advance and securely access your health records right from your phone.