ECHO/Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that checks the structure and function of your heart. An echo can diagnose a range of conditions including cardiomyopathy and valve disease. There are several types of echo tests, including transthoracic and transesophageal. Talk with your provider about the type that’s best for you.
Why is it needed?
An echo test can allow your healthcare team to look at your heart’s structure and check how well your heart functions. The test helps your healthcare team find out:
- The size and shape of your heart, and the size, thickness, and movement of your heart’s walls.
- How your heart moves during heartbeats.
- The heart’s pumping strength.
- If the heart valves are working correctly.
- If blood is leaking backward through your heart valves (regurgitation).
- If the heart valves are too narrow (stenosis).
- If a tumor or infectious growth is around your heart valves.