Echocardiograms for kids
Our echocardiogram (echo) care team understands that children’s hearts are unique — and they deserve expert care. That’s why our sonographers are specially trained in pediatric echocardiography, an advanced skill that requires extra certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Our pediatric echocardiology program provides high-quality imaging in a safe, comfortable environment for every child.
To schedule or ask questions, please call our clinic at: 612-813-8800.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram — often called an echo or heart ultrasound — is a safe, painless test that creates moving images of the heart. There’s no radiation exposure.
These images help your child’s care team understand how the heart looks and works. They also give your pediatric cardiologist important information to:
- Detect holes in the heart.
- Check how the heart’s valves look and work.
- Identify abnormal connections or blood flow patterns.
- Monitor the size and function of the heart’s chambers.
What to expect during an echo exam
- Clothing: Your child will need to undress from the waist up. A gown will be provided for privacy.
- Room setup: The exam is done in a dimly lit room. Your child will lie on their back or side, with pillows used for comfort and positioning.
- Electrodes: Three small stickers (electrodes) will be placed on your child’s chest to monitor heart rate. These are removed after the test.
- Ultrasound: Warm gel and a small camera (called a transducer) will be gently moved across the chest, side, stomach, and neck to view the heart from different angles. Some gentle pressure may be needed, especially on the stomach, to get clear images.
- Duration: The test typically takes 30–60 minutes.
Fetal echocardiograms
If you’re pregnant and told you need a fetal echocardiogram, it can feel overwhelming — but we’re here to help. Early detection of congenital heart problems can save lives. Learn more about fetal echocardiograms, the reasons you may need one, how they are done and more.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about an echo test
What is an echo tech?
An echo tech is a healthcare professional who performs ultrasounds of the heart. Unlike general sonographers who scan many organs, echo techs focus only on the heart — it’s the only organ they image!
What are some tips for a smoother echo experience?
Our pediatric echocardiology at the Children’s Heart Clinic performs more than 14,000 pediatric echocardiograms every year! From experience, we know some kids may find it hard to stay still during the exam. Here are a few tips:
- Many rooms have TVs for distraction
- Feel free to bring comfort items like small toys, books, bottles, or pacifiers
- If you’re bringing multiple children for echos, having an extra adult can be very helpful—especially if exams are done in separate rooms
When can I expect the results?
A cardiologist will review the echo within 24 hours, and results will be sent to your ordering provider.
If you’re also seeing a cardiologist during your visit, they can review the images right away and share results with you in person.
Where can I get a pediatric echo?
We offer echocardiograms for children at these convenient locations: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Lakeville, Woodbury locations. For details, see all of our locations.
Patients can rely on our quality patient care
Our Cardiovascular Program & The Children’s Heart Clinic is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for echocardiography. This designation reflects a thorough expert review and confirms our commitment to high‑quality patient care.
