Getting A Heart Scan: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Having a heart scan can be an intimidating prospect, but you don’t need to worry. This article will provide a guide of what you can expect during a heart scan and how best to prepare for it. Knowing what to expect beforehand can help ease any stress or anxiety you may have about the procedure. With the right knowledge and preparation, your heart scan experience should be straightforward and without surprises. Read on to find out all you need to know from our Cardiologist Doctors.

What To Expect

A heart scan, or echocardiogram, is a non-invasive imaging test that produces detailed images of your heart. This procedure can help Doctors diagnose and treat certain cardiac conditions. If you’re scheduled for a heart scan, it’s important to know what to expect so you can better prepare yourself for the procedure. 

The first step of a heart scan usually involves changing into a medical gown and lying down on an examination couch. The Doctor will then place electrodes on your chest to measure your heart rhythm, and may ask you to lie on your left hand side. An ultrasound probe coated in gel is then passed across the bare chest, collecting images from several different angles. Once all the necessary images and measurements are taken (this takes around 15-20 minutes), the electrodes will be disconnected, the gel will be cleaned off, and you may get dressed and prepare to receive your results.

How To Prepare

Having a heart scan can be an intimidating prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. Preparing for the scan and knowing what to expect can help make the process go more smoothly.

The best quality images are obtained when you are relaxed; if your heart is beating too quickly during the test, the results can be challenging to interpret. As such, you should avoid strenuous exercise, or caffeine consumption, in the hours leading up to the scan.

It is also helpful if you wear comfortable clothing and no jewellery, as these items may interfere with the imaging process and create artefact during the scans.

EchoMed – Cardiologist Doctors

Our Cardiologist Doctors recommend cardiac screening to anybody concerned about the possibility of structural heart disease, whether they have symptoms or not. 

If you have any questions about your risk of cardiac conditions, please email us directly at admin@echomed.co.uk