An echocardiogram, or echo, uses sound waves to make an image of your child's heart.
It shows how well the heart is working.
It can look at different structures inside the heart, and check for heart problems that children sometimes are born with.
On the day of the test, don't put any creams or lotions on your child's chest.
Younger kids may want to bring something comforting to hold during the test, like a small blanket.
During the test, your child will take off their shirt and lie down on a bed or table.
You'll probably be able to stay in the room with your child.
Younger children may be given medicines to make them feel sleepy, so they can lie still.
To help get a clearer picture of the heart, some kids may get a dye, called contrast material, through an I.V. tube that goes into a vein in the arm.
If your child gets an I.V., they may feel a small pinch when it's put in.
Small, sticky pads called electrodes will be placed on your child's chest.
They record your child's heart rate during the test.
The technician—the person doing the test— will rub a little bit of gel on your child's chest, and then slowly move a device around on the chest.
This device makes sound waves that produce an image of your child's heart on a screen.
During this part, you'll also hear the sound of blood flowing through your child's heart.
That's normal.
Your child will be asked to hold still during the test, and they may need to hold their breath for a short time.
Your child will probably need to change positions too— like turning from their back onto their side.
The test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Most kids are able to go home right after the test and get back to their usual activities.
An echocardiogram doesn't cause any pain— but it can be a little scary, especially for younger kids.
So it might be a good idea to talk to your child about what to expect, and to remind them that the test won't hurt.
If you and your child have any questions about the test, you can always talk to your doctor.
