Echocardiogram (Echo)

Using high frequency sound waves, echocardiography is able to measure the structure of the heart and its ability to perform its normal functions.

During the test, a specially trained technician puts an instrument called a transducer on different areas of the chest. The sound waves emmited from transducer bounce off the walls of the heart. A computer then records and displays the information as images, which help physicians determine the cardiac chamber sizes and wall thickness. Physicians can also evaluate the heart's valve structure, thickness and motion.