Echo

Echo (also known as Echocardiography) is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart. This allows doctors to see the heart beating, and to visualize many of the structures of the heart.

Overview

Echocardiography, or echo, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The pictures show the size and shape of your heart. They also show how well your heart's chambers and valves are working.

Echo also can identify areas of poor blood flow to the heart, areas of heart muscle that are not contracting normally, and previous injury to the heart muscle caused by poor blood flow.

Types of Echocardiograms

There are several different types of echocardiograms, including:

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
• Doppler Echocardiogram
• Stress Echocardiogram

Uses of Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram is used to:

• Assess the overall function of your heart
• Determine the presence of many types of heart disease
• Follow the progress of heart disease over time
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your medical or surgical treatments

Risks and Complications

Echocardiography is safe. Complications are rare. You may have minor discomfort, similar to pulling off a bandage, when the technician removes the electrodes placed on your chest during the procedure.

Preparation and Procedure

No special preparations are necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You can eat, drink, and take medications as you normally would.

Results

Your doctor will discuss the results of your echocardiogram with you. If the test shows that your heart is healthy, you might not need any further tests. If the results are concerning, you might be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist).

See Also

• Heart Disease
• Cardiology
• Ultrasound

Echo Resources
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