What is Echocardiogram
What exactly is Echocardiogram? Our medical encyclopedia can get you started in your journey to learn more about this procedure. Continue your research by choosing one of the procedure sections to the left.
Alternate Names for Echocardiogram:
Echo
Heart ultrasound
Ultrasound of the heart
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Echocardiogram Definition
Alternate Names for Echocardiogram:
Echo
Heart ultrasound
Ultrasound of the heart
Definition
An echocardiogram uses sound waves (called ultrasound) to look at the size, shape, and motion of the heart.
The test shows:
- Four chambers of the heart
- Heart valves and the walls of the heart
- Blood vessels entering and leaving the heart
- The sac that surrounds the heart
In addition to this standard test, there are specialized echocardiograms:
- Contrast echocardiogram-A solution is injected into the vein and can be seen in the heart.
- Stress echocardiogram-This records the heart's activity during a cardiac stress test .
- Echocardiogram with Doppler ultrasound -This helps your doctor assess blood flow.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram
-To provide clear images of the heart, the ultrasound device is put down your throat. Your doctor may need to use this view depending on what part of the heart needs to be looked at.
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Also, if you have the following conditions, you may need this test, rather than the standard echocardiogram:
- Certain lung diseases
- Obesity
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Also, if you have the following conditions, you may need this test, rather than the standard echocardiogram:
Learn
 Complications Learn about possible complications and what might increase the risk of them. |
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 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
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