What Do You Find Out with an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to capture a visual image of the heart, which is either one- or two-dimensional. Two-dimensional pictures can show the heart's chambers, valves and beating motion.

Heart Function

• When receiving an echocardiogram, the patient will also undergo an electrocardiogram, or EKG. The test will give accurate measurements concerning the heart's function, including filling and emptying the heart's ventricles.

Features

• An echocardiogram can provide several views of the heart, depending on where the ultrasound sensor is placed, and images can be printed for further review by a physician.

Effects

• A person who has suffered a heart attack commonly has heart damage, and with an echocardiogram a physician will be able to see how much damage has occurred and whether there are any abnormalities, such as abnormal heart valves, heart murmurs or heart pumping. In addition, any infections around the heart can be identified.

Benefits

• Echocardiograms are used to treat more than 37 different conditions, according to the National Institutes of Heath.

Warnings

• There are no warning or risk factors identified with an echocardiogram, as the procedure is considered noninvasive and pain-free.