What to Expect from an Echocardiogram

Step 1: Find Heart Rhythm

During the test, the sonographer will record your heart rhythm and rate. Three electrical leads will be placed onto your chest: one each on the upper right, lower right, and lower left.

Echocardiogram FAQ: Is this the same as an EKG?
The echocardiogram is commonly mistaken for an electrocardiogram (EKG). The leads are those that would be used in an EKG, but there would be 12 instead of three to record your heartbeat's electrical activity over a few seconds. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to show the heart's chambers and valves actively moving as they pump blood.