What the test can show
Echocardiography, often called an echo, creates moving images with sound waves. It helps your clinician assess the heart’s size, pumping function, and valves. It does not use X-rays.
During a standard chest echo
You generally lie on an examination table while a sonographer moves a probe with ultrasound gel across your chest. This article describes a standard chest ultrasound; other types of echocardiograms have different procedures.
Preparing and discussing results
Follow the instructions for your specific appointment and ask about any preparation you are unsure of. Your clinician reviews the images and explains what the findings mean for your care. Ask what the test can clarify and whether further evaluation might be needed.