Contrast Echocardiography
A contrast echocardiogram is a non-invasive cardiac test, which combines an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), and a substance called a contrast agent, which helps improve the quality of the images collected.
Contrast is used during an echocardiogram to see the flow of blood through the heart and the heart muscle more clearly. The contrast is administered by a technologist or nurse using an intravenous (IV) line.
Health info & tips
- Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart.
- Determine if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Detect other heart diseases.
- Help with cardiac management and follow up management of patients with any suspected or known heart diseases.
- Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions the day of the test, as the cream can interfere with the electrode-skin contact.
- Take your usual medications unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- You can eat, drink and take medications as you normally would.
- Wear comfortable clothing that you can remove from the waist up.
- A technologist (sonographer) will explain the test to you, take a brief medical history, and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form.
- You will be asked to remove all upper body clothing, and to put on a gown with the opening to the front, and lie down on an examination table.
- A contrast echo scan requires the use of a substance called a contrast agent. The contrast agent helps to improve image quality. A technologist or nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in one of your arms.
- The sonographer will apply some gel to a small ultrasound probe called a transducer, they will then position it on your chest, and take several resting images of your heart. You may feel some discomfort from the transducer against your chest as the sonographer may need to apply some mild pressure to obtain the best images of your heart.
- The sonographer may guide you to breathe in and out at certain times and may ask you to roll onto your left side.
- It takes about 60 minutes to complete the test.
- Your contrast echocardiography test will be kept on file for comparison with future contrast echocardiography tests.
- People can resume their normal daily activities, including driving, after the test. The data will be reviewed by a cardiologist and the results will be reported to your doctor. If necessary, you may be referred for additional testing or a consultation with a physician.
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