Echocardiogram

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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

No special preparations are necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. Your doctor will ask you not to eat for a few hours beforehand if you're having a transesophageal or stress echocardiogram. If you'll be walking on a treadmill during a stress echocardiogram, wear comfortable shoes. If you're having a transesophageal echocardiogram, you won't be able to drive afterward because of the sedating medication you'll receive. Be sure to make arrangements to get home before you have your test.

MY00095

July 16, 2008

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