What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (often called “echo”) is a graphic outline of the heart’s movement. During this test, high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, provide pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers. This allows the technician, called a sonographer, to evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves. ECHOs are available at SAH every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
What can an "echo" detect?
Your doctor may perform an echocardiogram to:
- Assess the overall function of your heart.
- Determine the presence of many types of heart disease .
- Follow the progress of heart valve disease over time.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments.
On the day of the test, eat and drink as you normally would. Take all of your medications at the usual times, as prescribed by your doctor.