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Reasons for an Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (EKG) is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to allow a doctor to clearly ascertain how your heart is functioning while visualizing its structure (heart walls, valves). EKGs enable your doctor to diagnose, evaluate and monitor several conditions.

  1. Heart Murmur and Heart Attacks

    • EKGs can help your doctor to pinpoint the cause of a heart murmur and ascertain the extent of damage to your heart if you have had a heart attack.

    Congenital Heart Disease

    • Your doctor may use an EKG to diagnose or monitor abnormalities like congenital heart diseases (defects within your heart structure that are formed in utero).

    Congestive Heart Failure

    • If you have congestive heart failure (failure of your heart to efficiently pump your blood, leading to fluid buildup in blood vessels and lungs), your doctor may perform an EKG to monitor the pumping action of your heart.

    Atherosclerosis and Aneurysms

    • EKGs can monitor the progress of atherosclerosis (clogging of your arteries by fat and plaque in your blood stream) and monitor an aneurysm (a dilated portion of your aorta or heart muscle).

    Identify Inflammation and Infection

    • EKGs can identify pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around your heart) or infectious endocarditis (an infection of your heart valves).

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