Understanding Echocardiography
Echocardiography provides an assessment of the heart using ultrasound. Your doctor may request an echocardiogram or echo test to look at your heart’s structure and check how well your heart is working.
It may be used to check the size of chambers and valve openings. Generally, it shows how the heart is functioning and identifies any murmurs or abnormalities.
Did you know...
Echocardiography uses ultrasound to create moving images of the heart, providing valuable information about heart structure and function without radiation exposure?
Echocardiogram For Heart Health
Ultrasound Of The Heart
Early Detection Of Disease & Abnormalities
Comfortable & Noninvasive
Who Needs An Echocardiogram?
A physician is likely to request an echo test if you’ve had a heart attack, rheumatic fever, heart murmur, congenital heart defect, or an irregular heartbeat.
An Echocardiogram may be requested if you recently had an ECG and there were noticed changes or abnormalities.
It is also common for echo tests to be ordered for unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath.
Choosing CAMIS for Echocardiography
At CAMIS, we pride ourselves on providing the expert care you deserve and delivering a thorough and comfortable echo test experience.
Although echo tests are painless and non-invasive, we understand that any exams can feel intimidating or slightly uncomfortable, so we want to provide you with any information and preparation requested to make you feel more comfortable.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common type of echocardiogram, which is a still or moving image of the internal structures of the heart, using ultrasound.
The probe is placed on the chest of the patient to get various views of the heart.
It is used as a noninvasive assessment of the overall health of the heart, including a patient’s heart valves and degree of heart muscle contraction.
Preparing For Your Appointment
PATIENT PREPARATION
- Dress comfortably, with loose easy to remove clothing.
- You may eat and take medications as usual prior to your exam.
Covered by Alberta Health Care
Referrals are necessary for all bookings
Exam Duration: 45 – 60min
Common Questions About Echocardiography
What if I am travelling from out of town for my appointment?
We are pleased to offer preferred hotel rates for patients travelling to our clinics:
- Red Deer appointments: Preferred rates at the Red Deer Resort & Casino
- Drayton Valley appointments: Preferred rates at APH Hotels / Holiday Inn Express
This may be a convenient option if you:
- Are travelling from out of town
- Have multiple exams scheduled on the same day
- Prefer to arrive the day before your appointment
- Have an early morning appointment
If you are travelling for an appointment at one of our Red Deer or Drayton Valley locations, please ask our team about these special rates when booking.
Is it necessary to lie on my left side for an Echocardiogram?
Yes, for an Echocardiogram, we generally prefer that you lie on your left side. This positioning helps bring your heart closer to your chest wall, allowing for clearer and more comprehensive ultrasound images. If you are unable to comfortably lie on your left side due to mobility issues or pain, please inform the sonographer. We are usually able to make adjustments and work with you to obtain the necessary images from an alternative position.
Do I need a referral from a physician?
Yes, for all exams, a valid referral (requisition) from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner is required. We cannot perform your service without this referral.
Do you need an Echocardiography exam?
Contact our CAMIS Care team to ask questions or to learn more about our services.
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