Overview
These are high-frequency sound waves that you cannot hear or feel. They are also not harmful to your body. These sound waves are reflected back through the heart (echo). As a result, your heart can be seen on a screen during the examination.
The laboratory technician regularly makes recordings of your heart. This will give your cardiologist information about the movements and functioning of your heart muscle and heart valves. This allows the cardiologist to assess how the pumping function of your heart is and whether there are any abnormalities in the heart valves.
How does the examination work?
Here you will find all important information about the study.
Preparation
How do you prepare?
- It is important that you do not use body lotion or cream on the day of the examination.
- Turn off your mobile phone for the examination.
Are you unable to come on the date of the examination?
Then call the hospital at 745-0000 and ask for the Heart Function department as soon as possible, but no later than 1 working day before the examination date. Your place is then used to help another patient. This way you work together to keep the waiting lists as short as possible!
The examination
How does the examination work?
An echocardiographer or cardiologist will perform the examination.
- It is important that you do not wear clothing on your upper body.
- You lie on an examination couch, usually on your left side.
- The echocardiographer will place electrodes on your back or chest.
- After that, the room will be slightly darker. This allows the cardiologist or echocardiographer to see the screen better. The echocardiographer presses a small device against your chest. There is gel on this device. This allows you to look at the heart from different directions.
- During the examination, the cardiologist or echocardiographer will also measure your blood flow. We call this a ‘Doppler study’. You will also hear sounds.
The examination takes about 10 to 30 minutes.
Where do you report?
At the agreed time, you report to Heart Function department, Floor 1, Building H3.
Results
When will you receive the result?
It is not possible to immediately give you the results of the examination. You will therefore receive the results from the doctor who has requested the examination for you. This can be your attending cardiologist or your general practitioner.
Questions?
Do you have any questions?
If you still have questions after reading this information, you can call the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic, 745-0023.
Practical Tips
What to bring ?
For every appointment in the hospital you must bring: a valid proof of identity, your JBZ patient card and your Current Medication Overview (AMO). Here you will find more information about what to bring.
