What is an Echocardiography/Cardiac Ultrasound Exam?
An Echocardiography (echo), or ultrasound of the heart, is a quick and easy test that takes “moving pictures” of the heart using ultra-high frequency sound waves. The pictures taken of the heart reveal the shape, texture and the movement of the valves. This test is similar to having ultrasound pictures of a fetus taken in pregnant women. The test allows doctors to determine if there is a problem with the heart such as heart murmurs, if you experience a previous heart attack or if you have a congenital heart defect. It can also help to understand the cause of unexplained chest pains.
