What Is an Echocardiogram? A Complete Guide to Heart Imaging
An echocardiogram, often called an “echo,” is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart. It is one of the most commonly used tools in cardiology, helping doctors evaluate how the heart looks and functions without the use of radiation or surgery. How an Echocardiogram Works Echocardiography works similarly to an ultrasound. A small device called a transducer is placed on the chest, where it emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off the heart’s structures and return as echoes, which are then converted into moving images on a monitor. These live images allow doctors to observe the heart in action. They can assess how well the heart chambers contract, how the valves open and close, and how blood flows through the heart. This real-time visualization is essential for detecting abnormalities early. What Does an Echocardiogram Show? An echocardiogram provides detailed information about both the structure and func...