An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is an important diagnostic test used to assess the overall structure and function of the heart. During an echocardiogram, ultrasound waves are used to create images of the heart that can identify issues like malformed heart valves, damage from heart attacks, heart failure, and other problems. In order to get the clearest images and most accurate test results, it is important to avoid certain foods, activities, and medications before an echocardiogram. Knowing what to avoid can ensure your echocardiogram goes smoothly and provides your doctor with the information needed to determine next steps for your cardiac care.
Why does preparation matter for an echocardiogram?
Preparation is important prior to an echocardiogram because certain factors can interfere with the quality of the test and make it more difficult for your doctor to interpret the images. The echocardiogram creates images by bouncing ultrasound waves off different structures in the heart. If there are air bubbles from food or carbonated drinks in your esophagus and stomach, these can deflect the ultrasound waves and degrade the images. Activities that accelerate your heart rate like exercise can also make it more challenging to capture clear images because the heart is beating rapidly. Certain medications and supplements can impact heart function and structure as well, obscuring problems or mimicking disease on the images. By avoiding items that can interfere with imaging and an accurate assessment, you’ll get the most from your echocardiogram results.
Foods and drinks to avoid before an echocardiogram
Avoid carbonated beverages
Carbonated sodas and sparkling water should be avoided for at least 2-3 hours prior to your echocardiogram. The carbonation leads to gas bubbles in your stomach and esophagus. As mentioned, these air bubbles can interfere with the ultrasound waves used to generate images of your heart. Drink plain water instead of any carbonated beverages in the hours leading up to your test.
Skip large, heavy meals
Large meals, especially those high in fat, protein, and fiber, should be avoided before an echocardiogram. Digesting substantial, heavy foods can lead to gas and abdominal bloating, which can get in the way of the ultrasound waves. Eat smaller, lighter meals up until your test. Avoid foods that commonly cause gas like beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, onions, and fried foods.
Avoid chewing gum
Chewing gum can cause you to swallow excess air, leading to bubbles in your esophagus that can block the ultrasound waves. Ditch the gum before your echocardiogram. Hard candies and lozenges can cause similar issues.
Don’t eat chocolate or dairy
Chocolate and dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream are common culprits for causing gas. The lactose in dairy often leads to bloating and gas for those who are lactose intolerant. Avoid chocolate, ice cream, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products for 2-3 hours before your echocardiogram.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks can impact your heart rate and potentially the appearance of your heart on imaging. Avoid caffeine for 24 hours prior to your echocardiogram for best results.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can potentially impact heart rate and function for up to 24 hours. Avoid alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and cocktails the day before and day of your echocardiogram.
Medications to avoid before an echocardiogram
Stop taking erectile dysfunction drugs
Medications for erectile dysfunction like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra can impact blood vessels and the appearance of the heart on imaging. Avoid taking these medications for 2-3 days before your echocardiogram.
Avoid blood pressure medications
Blood pressure medications like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics can alter the appearance of your heart on an echocardiogram. Check with your doctor about stopping these medications temporarily for 24-48 hours before the test, especially if you take them for hypertension management.
Don’t take NSAIDs
Common over-the-counter NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can potentially cause changes in blood pressure, edema, and fluid shifts. Avoid taking NSAIDs the day of your test. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered safe before an echocardiogram.
Stop cough and cold medications
Medications for colds, coughs, congestion, and allergies like antihistamines and decongestants can impact your heart rate and blood pressure. Avoid taking these medications for 2-3 days before your echocardiogram.
Don’t use diet pills
Weight loss products and diet pills containing stimulants like ephedra, phentermine, or caffeine can speed up your heart rate. Stop using these products at least 24 hours before your test.
Avoid supplements and vitamins
Many supplements can interfere with echocardiogram results, especially those containing stimulants. Avoid taking supplements for 2-3 days before your test, including:
– Weight loss supplements
– Energy boosters
– Workout supplements containing stimulants
– Herbal supplements like ginseng and ephedra
– Vitamins containing niacin or chromium
Stop smoking or vaping
Tobacco and nicotine products also stimulate the heart. Avoid smoking cigarettes and vaping at least 24 hours, if not longer, before your echocardiogram for the most accurate results. The chemicals in these products can affect heart function and impact imaging quality.
Activities to avoid before an echocardiogram
Don’t exercise vigorously
Vigorous exercise like running, high intensity interval training, or weight lifting can temporarily alter the structure and function of your heart. Avoid these types of intense workouts for 24-48 hours prior to your echocardiogram. Light exercise like walking is fine.
Avoid cardio exercise
As mentioned, exercise can accelerate your heart rate, impacting imaging. Any activities that significantly raise your heart rate should be avoided 24 hours before your test. This includes things like:
– Running or jogging
– Cycling or spinning classes
– Swimming laps
– Jumping rope
– High intensity aerobic exercises
Don’t play sports
Playing sports involves bursts of activity and can lead to changes in your heart rate and function. Avoid playing sports like basketball, tennis, soccer, football, lacrosse, hockey, baseball, and others the day before your echocardiogram.
Skip hot yoga classes
The heat and intensity of hot yoga and similar exercises like hot Pilates can impact heart function and structure. Avoid participating in hot exercise classes 24-48 hours before your echocardiogram.
Avoid saunas and steam rooms
The high heat of saunas and steam rooms temporarily increases your heart rate and impacts cardiac function. Do not use saunas or steam rooms the day of your echocardiogram.
Don’t get a massage
Massage creates temporary changes in circulation and blood flow. Getting a massage the day of your echocardiogram could impact the results. Reschedule any massage appointments for after your test.
Other tips for preparing for your echocardiogram
– Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment to allow access for the ultrasound wand during the test.
– Don’t apply lotions or powders to your chest before the test as these can interfere with the ultrasound gel and images.
– Arrive on time and avoid feeling rushed or stressed, as this can elevate your heart rate.
– Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely about discontinuing any medications prior to the test.
– Tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing like shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, palpitations.
– Ask your doctor if there are any other restrictions based on your medical history and specific test orders.
– Plan to hydrate well by drinking extra water the day before and day of your test.
Conclusion
Preparing properly for your echocardiogram is important for getting the most accurate images and test results. By avoiding certain foods, beverages, medications, supplements, and activities in the 24-48 hours before your test, you can reduce anything that might interfere with imaging quality or impact your heart function and structure. Focus on adequate hydration and rest. Follow all instructions from your doctor and the testing facility. With the right preparation, your echocardiogram will provide useful information about the health of your heart and help guide further diagnostic and treatment steps.
