Echocardiography, also known as an echocardiogram, is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and its structures:

How it works

A transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the chest, where they bounce off the heart and other tissues. The sound waves are then converted into images on a computer screen.

What it can show

An echocardiogram can show the heart's size, shape, and position, as well as the motion of the heart while it beats. It can also show the heart's valves and other structures.

What it can help diagnose

An echocardiogram can help diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including:

• Abnormal heart valves
• Heart murmurs
• Heart attack damage
• Infections around the heart valves
• Blood clots or tumors in the heart
• Fluid buildup around the heart

Different types of echocardiograms

There are several types of echocardiograms, including:

• Stress echocardiogram: A stress test that takes pictures of the heart before and after exercise
• Transesophageal echocardiogram: A more detailed view of the heart that uses a flexible tube with a transducer at the end
• Fetal echocardiogram: Used to check the heart of an unborn baby
• 3D echocardiography: Creates 3D images of the heart