Echocardiography, often referred to as Echo, is a heart examination that uses sound waves to produce moving images of your heart. These images show the size, shape, and functioning of the heart chambers and valves. With Echo, doctors can examine the condition of the heart without causing any pain.

Why Is Echo Important?

Echo can detect areas of the heart muscle that are not moving normally due to poor blood flow or damage from a previous heart attack. There is a special type of Echo called

Doppler ultrasound that shows how well blood flows through the heart chambers and valves. 

Who Needs Echocardiography?

Doctors may recommend Echo if a patient shows signs or symptoms of heart problems. For example, shortness of breath and swelling in the legs can be signs of heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively. Echo helps doctors assess how well the heart is pumping blood.

Echo is also useful for detecting abnormal heart sounds, such as heart murmurs. Murmurs are additional or unusual sounds heard during the heartbeat. Some murmurs are harmless, while others can indicate heart problems.

Preparation Before Echocardiography

For a standard Echo, no special preparation is needed. Patients can eat, drink, and take medications as usual. However, for a Transesophageal Echo, fasting for 8 hours before the examination is required.

Echocardiography Procedure

The Echo process usually takes about 15 minutes and is painless. Patients will be asked to remove their upper clothing and lie on their left side. The doctor will apply gel to the chest and use a probe to capture images of the heart. Sometimes, the doctor will apply light pressure with the probe to get clearer images.

During the examination, patients may be asked to hold their breath or change positions to optimize the heart images. If you feel uncomfortable, let the doctor know. 

Is Echocardiography Risky?
Echocardiography is a safe procedure and generally has no side effects. This examination is very helpful for diagnosing and determining the next steps in treatment without causing significant risks.