Pediatric Echocardiogram

The test is done in a darkened room with your child lying on a table. A technician will place sticky patches (electrodes) on your child's chest to monitor their heart rhythm. A clear gel will then be applied to their chest.

A handheld device, called a transducer, will be gently pressed against your child's chest with the gel. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the heart and creates images on a nearby screen. The technician will move the transducer around your child's chest to get images from different angles.

The echocardiogram itself is painless, but some children may feel uncomfortable lying still for the length of the test, which can be up to one hour.

The doctor will explain the results of the echocardiogram to you after the test is complete.

Watch the video below to learn more about preparing for an echocardiogram:

For babies, bring your own bottles for feeding, diapers, a familiar toy and if you use one, a pacifier. Dress your child comfortably, keeping in mind that sonographers need access to your child's chest and belly during the exam.

The echocardiogram will take at least one hour. Please note that appointments for toddlers are best scheduled during their nap time so they may fall asleep during the test.

Parents are welcome, even expected, to be present during the exam. Tests are most successful when parents are with their child, helping to ease any fear and anxiety. 

After the test, your cardiologist will review the images and walk you through the findings during the same visit. Results may show that your child's heart is structurally normal, or they may reveal something that needs follow-up — such as a hole in the heart, a valve problem, or fluid around the heart. If more information is needed, the cardiologist may recommend additional testing like a cardiac MRI, CT scan, or cardiac catheterization. Whatever the findings, our team will make sure you leave with a clear understanding of next steps and a plan for your child's care. 

Fetal Echocardiogram

A fetal echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a specialized ultrasound (“sono”) examination of the unborn baby's heart. It is done after an abnormality is seen on routine OB ultrasound or when there is a suggestion in the family history that the fetus has an increased chance of having a heart problem. Learn more about fetal echocardiograms.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be ordered by the cardiologist when more invasive imaging is required. Using sound waves, imaging is performed through the esophagus. This procedure requires a longer visit under sedation. A pediatric cardiologist performs the echocardiogram.

3D Echocardiogram 

A 3D echocardiogram gives cardiologists a complete, real-time view of your child's heart, offering a full picture of the heart's structures from multiple angles. This is especially useful for seeing complex features like holes in the heart or valve abnormalities that are difficult to fully appreciate with standard imaging. It's non-invasive and particularly helpful when the care team is planning a procedure or surgery.  

Contrast (Ultrasound-Enhanced) Echocardiogram 

A contrast echocardiogram uses a safe, bubble-based solution injected through an IV to make the heart's chambers easier to see. The bubbles travel to the heart and highlight blood flow, giving cardiologists a clearer picture of the heart's borders and how blood is moving. This is especially helpful for spotting small holes between chambers or getting clearer images in cases where standard imaging is harder to read. It's quick and effective, and the IV is the only added step.

Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram shows how your child's heart performs when it's working hard. The test compares heart images taken at rest with images taken right after exercise. For children who can't exercise, a medication can be used to safely replicate the effects of physical activity. By putting the heart under controlled stress, our cardiologists can check for things like reduced blood flow or rhythm changes that wouldn't show up on a resting scan. The test is safe and closely monitored throughout.

Our cardiac imaging specialists are part of one of the country's most experienced and nationally recognized pediatric heart programs. We provide precise, comprehensive imaging for all congenital and acquired heart conditions, from routine to the most complex. 

Our program offers the full spectrum of advanced diagnostic tools, performed and interpreted by specialists with deep expertise in pediatric cardiovascular imaging. As part of the multidisciplinary Heart Center, our team collaborates directly with cardiologists, surgeons, and other specialists, often within the same visit.  

Learn More About Our Heart Center