An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. It helps your doctor see how your heart is beating, how blood flows through the chambers and valves and whether there are signs of heart disease.
You may hear an echocardiogram called an echo, cardiac ultrasound or Doppler echocardiography. These tests are safe, noninvasive and commonly used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions.
At Banner Health, heart specialists use advanced echocardiography technology to evaluate heart structure, function and blood flow.
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving images of your heart. These images allow your doctor to evaluate:
Because echocardiograms show the heart in real time, they are one of the most common tests used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions.
Your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram to:
During a standard echocardiogram, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on your chest. The transducer sends sound waves toward the heart and receives the echoes that bounce back. A computer converts these echoes into images of the beating heart.
If images from the chest are not clear enough, your doctor may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). In this test, a thin probe is guided down your esophagus to obtain clearer pictures of the heart.
Several types of echocardiograms may be used depending on what your doctor needs to evaluate.
The transthoracic echocardiogram is the most common type of echo. A technician places a transducer on your chest to capture images of your heart. This test is noninvasive and usually painless.
Doppler echocardiography measures how blood flows through the heart’s chambers and valves. It can identify abnormal blood flow that may indicate valve disease or structural heart problems.
Color Doppler imaging uses color to show the direction and speed of blood flow through the heart, making it easier for doctors to identify abnormalities.
M-mode echocardiography produces a tracing that allows doctors to measure heart structures, including the thickness of the heart walls and the size of the chambers.
Two-dimensional echocardiography shows the heart structures moving in real time. This allows doctors to evaluate how the heart muscle and valves function during each heartbeat.
Three-dimensional echocardiography creates detailed images of the heart, allowing doctors to better evaluate structural problems and guide certain heart procedures.
A stress echocardiogram evaluates how the heart works during physical activity or medication-induced stress. Doctors compare images taken at rest with images taken during stress to detect reduced blood flow or other problems.
Preparation depends on the type of echocardiogram you are having. In many cases, little preparation is needed.
Your provider may recommend:
Your doctor will provide specific instructions before your test.
During the test, you will lie on an exam table, often on your left side. A technician will place gel on your chest and move the transducer across your skin to capture images of your heart.
You may be asked to change positions or briefly hold your breath so the technician can get clearer images.
Most echocardiograms take 30 to 60 minutes.
In some cases, a contrast agent may be used to improve image quality. If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram, your throat will be numbed and you may receive medication to help you relax while the probe is inserted.
Echocardiograms are very safe and do not use radiation.
Most people do not experience any side effects. Some people may notice:
Your provider will discuss any risks before your procedure.
Echocardiograms may be performed in several settings, including:
Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend additional tests to better understand your heart health.
The Banner Health cardiology team is available to answer questions and guide you through every step of your evaluation and treatment.
Whatever your need, your doctor can refer you to one of our conveniently located free-standing imaging centers or one of our hospitals.
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