Having an echocardiogram (ECHO)

Easy read

This booklet uses easy words and pictures.

You might want to ask someone to help you read it.

Echo

You are coming to the hospital today to have an echocardiogram, sometimes people call it an echo.

Heart

The echocardiogram looks at how well the heart is working.

It can also tell us how healthy the heart looks.

Clinic room

You will go into the room and be asked to lay on the bed.

Take off clothes

You will need to remove clothing on the top half of your body.

Gown

To make you feel more comfortable, we can give you a gown to wear and we can close a curtain round you.

Stickers

The staff will stick ECG stickers on your chest.

Check heartbeat

This allows the staff to check your heartbeat.

Jelly

The staff will then put some jelly on your chest.

Ultrasound

They will then use an ultrasound scanner to look at your heart.

Hear heart

You might be able to hear your heart beating.

This is the blood pumping through your heart.

45 Minutes

The test can take up to 45 minutes.

Cold jelly

This will not hurt, but the jelly might feel cold.

You might feel some pressure as the scanner touches you.

Support going for test

You can bring someone with you to support you.

Chaperone

Or you can ask for support from hospital staff.

This is called a chaperone.

Go home

Once the test is completed you can go home.

Results

You will get your results in your next clinic appointment.

Ask

If you have any questions, you can ask the staff.

Contact Numbers:

Learning Disability Advisor

Telephone: 01642 624477

(Available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)