An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows the heart chambers, valves, pumping strength, wall thickness, pressure estimates, and blood-flow patterns. It is painless, non-invasive, and one of the most important tests in cardiology.
Echocardiography can help evaluate murmurs, heart failure, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, and unexplained shortness of breath or swelling.
Symptoms patients may notice
- Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, or reduced exercise capacity
- Heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds
- Chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting
- Known valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or pulmonary hypertension
- Abnormal EKG or cardiac exam
How we evaluate this condition
- Transthoracic echocardiogram as the standard heart ultrasound
- Stress echo or transesophageal echo referral when additional detail is needed
- Comparison with prior echocardiograms to monitor progression
Treatment and care options
- Medication adjustment based on heart function, valve disease, or pressure findings
- Repeat monitoring for stable conditions
- Advanced imaging, valve-team referral, or heart-failure care when indicated