My doctor has ordered an echo of my heart. What is that?

Jamon R. Pruitt, M.D.

 

 

 

 

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to examine the heart in motion.  The test allows accurate measurement of the heart chambers, including the size of the cavity and the thickness of the walls.  The appearance of the walls may also help identify certain types of heart disease that predominantly involve the heart muscle.  The “pumping” function of the heart can be assessed by echocardiography, and the physician can tell if the pumping power is normal or reduced.    Cardiologists often use this test (also called an Echo) to detect and study irregular heartbeats, problematic valves, heart size and structure, and damaged heart muscle.  This is useful in patients with complaints of shortness of breath, chest pain, exercise intolerance, fainting and the sensation of irregular or forceful heartbeats.

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