Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital | Cove Point Foundation | Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram
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Basic Explanation

This test uses uses sound waves to make a moving picture of the heart, an echocardiogram. The sound waves are not felt by the person having the test and are not known to be harmful. The test does not hurt, but small children may be afraid of the room, the machine and the new people performing the test.

The echocardiogram is also called a cardiac ultrasound or sonogram. In general, most children cooperate with the test and no sedative needs to be given. If the test is very important and if the child is frightened, a light sedative may be given (with parental consent).

In general, the results will be given to the parent or guardian by the child's cardiologist on the day of the visit or after the study has been reviewed.