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Echocardiogram - How To Prepare
About this test
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and Doppler echocardiogram
You do not need any special preparation for a transthoracic or Doppler echocardiogram.
Stress echocardiogram
Do not eat heavily for a few hours before a stress echo to help prevent nausea. You may feel nauseous if you exercise with a full stomach or from the injection of dobutamine.
Wear flat, comfortable shoes (no bedroom slippers or sandals) and loose, lightweight shorts or sweatpants for an exercise stress echo.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the TEE.
If you have dentures or dental prostheses, you may need to remove them before the test.
Before TEE, you will be given a sedative. You will not be able to drive for at least 12 hours after the procedure. Be sure to make arrangements in advance for someone to pick you up after the test.
Before an echocardiogram, you will typically be asked
to sign a consent form. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have
regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the
results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill
out the
medical test information form 
(What is a PDF document?).
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 17, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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