An echocardiogram (echo) is a test that takes photographs of your heart using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound). The exam is also known as diagnostic cardiac ultrasonography or echocardiography.
- The size and shape of your heart, and the size, thickness and movement of your heart’s walls.
- How your heart moves.
- The heart’s pumping strength.
- If the heart valves are working correctly.
- If blood is leaking backwards through your heart valves (regurgitation).
- If the heart valves are too narrow (stenosis).
- If there is a tumor or infectious growth around your heart valves.
An echo test may be used by your doctor to examine the structure of your heart and determine how well it performs. The test helps your doctor find out following problems:
