Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to create a moving picture of the heart. This common test allows a doctor to see your heart in motion — ventricles squeezing and relaxing, and valves opening and closing in rhythm with your heartbeat. Your doctor can use these images to identify various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.

Types of Echocardiograms

Transthoracic echocardiogram (Echo)

This is a standard, noninvasive echocardiogram. A technician (sonographer) spreads gel on a device known as a transducer and presses  firmly against your skin, aiming an ultrasound beam through your chest to your heart. The transducer records the sound wave echoes as they reflect off internal structures. A computer converts the echoes into moving pictures on a monitor.  When sound waves bounce off blood cells moving through your heart and blood vessels, they change pitch. These characteristic changes (Doppler signals) help the doctor measure the speed and direction of the blood flow in your heart.

Transthoracic echocardiogram is done to:

• Assess the size of the heart chambers and the thickness of the walls
• Determine the heart's pumping strength
• Evaluate the heart's valve function
• Detect fluid around the heart
• Detect blood clots
• Detect tumors
• Detect holes between the heart chambers
• Detect heart valve infections (endocarditis)
• Detect congenital heart defects in babies