What is an Echocardiogram (Echo)?

An Echocardiogram (Echo) is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of the heart.  It shows how blood flows through the heart.

How Can You and Your Child Get Ready for an Echo?

• Bring your child’s favorite toys, books, or comfort item to use during the Echo.  They can help relax and distract your child during the test.
• Bring a snack for your child.  Choose a snack that could be eaten with their fingers, like small crackers.
• Be honest with your child about what they will see and feel during the test.

To learn more, call:

• Appleton Clinic: 920-969-5353.

What Happens During the Echo?

For Your Child:

1. Talk about the Echo. Echo stands for a bigger word: Echocardiogram. It is a special picture of your heart to see how it is working.
2. Check into the clinic.
3. Then you will go into the Echo room.
   
   
   
4. Next you will remove your shirt. Some kids choose to wear a gown while others do not. The echo tech will put three stickers on you. Two go on your shoulders and one goes on your belly.
   
   
   
5. Now it is time for your pictures. The echo tech will use a soft camera and warm gel. You will feel them touch your chest and belly with the camera. Your important job is to keep your body still like a statue.
   
   
   

For Parents and Guardians:

• The test will be done in the Echo room at the clinic.
• Your child will need to remove their shirt for the echo. If your child would like, they can wear a hospital gown instead.
• Your child will lay on the bed for the echo. Parents can sit on the bed with their child if preferred.
• The Echo tech will put 3 stickers on your child. Two will go on near the shoulders and one on the belly.
• A warm gel will be put on the camera. This helps the camera move and take pictures. Your child will feel the warm gel as the camera moves.
• The Echo tech will put the camera on the chest and belly. The camera looks like an ultrasound probe.  It will feel soft on your child’s body. Your child needs to lay as still as they can. This will help the camera take the best pictures of your child’s heart.
• When the pictures are done, your child will get cleaned up and dressed.
• If you have a visit scheduled with the cardiologist after the echo, the echo tech will walk you to the exam room.
• If you do not have a visit scheduled after the echo, your provider will call you with results.

A Child Life Specialist can be with your child during the test. They can help prepare, distract, and support your child.

To learn more about the Child Life Program, visit Children’s Wisconsin.

To learn more about an Echocardiogram, review this KidsHealth resource.