ECHOCARDIOGRAM

An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves, or ultrasound, to produce a moving picture of the heart. These sound waves are transmitted through a wand-like device called a transducer into the body. The sound waves bounce off the heart and return to the transducer as echoes, which are then turned into moving images of the heart that can be viewed on a television monitor. This test allows the doctor to learn about the size and shape of the heart muscle and to evaluate its function, valves, and the flow of blood through the heart. This test can help detect many heart diseases, helps with cardiac management and follow up management of patients with any suspected or known heart diseases. An echocardiogram is pain-free.

The procedure takes about 30 – 45 minutes.