3-D Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive, painless ultrasound exam that allows radiologists and cardiologists at Dignity Health to see the structure of your heart as it pumps. A 3-D echocardiogram provides three dimensional images of your heart.

Your cardiologist may ask that you undergo a 3-D echocardiogram to see if your heart has any irregularities in its chambers or if there are problems with the valves, which control the blood flow from one chamber to another.

The test may be helpful in making a diagnosis if you have been experiencing signs and symptoms of valve disease, such as:

• Light-headedness
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling in your feet (edema)
• Shortness of breath

At Dignity Health, we partner with you to help keep your heart healthy. Trust us with your 3-D echocardiogram in Sacramento or the surrounding areas. To learn more about our cardiology expertise and to schedule a procedure at one of our state-of-the-art facilities, Find a Doctor today.

What to Expect From Your 3-D Echocardiogram

Your 3-D echocardiogram will be performed in a Dignity Health imaging facility, doctor’s office, or hospital. To monitor your heart rhythm throughout the 3-D echocardiogram, an experienced cardiology technician will apply electrodes to your arms, legs and chest and connect them to an electrocardiogram (EKG, or ECG) machine.

The technician will place ultrasound gel on your chest, which helps the transducer wand glide over your skin. The transducer sends and receives sound waves to produce the image that shows up on the monitor. Some echocardiograms are done with a contrast dye injected into a vein; the dye makes it easier to see blood flow into and out of your heart. 

The radiologist may repeat some of the measurements before the exam is over. The procedure takes less than an hour.

Taking Care After a 3-D Echocardiogram in the Sacramento Region

Usually, you’ll leave right after your echocardiogram, unless the radiologist advises otherwise. The radiologist will share the results of the test with your doctor, who will discuss the results with you the same day or a few days later. A follow-up appointment with your heart doctor will give you the opportunity to discuss the test findings and a possible diagnosis and treatment plan. Rely on your cardiology care team at Dignity Health through every step of your cardiovascular care.