Echocardiography

An echocardiogram, or echo uses ultrasound (high frequency sound that cannot be heard by the human ear) to create images of the heart. The echo is a safe and painless test that helps doctors diagnose many kinds of heart problems.

During an echo test, a small microphone-like device, called a transducer, is held against the chest. The transducer sends ultrasound waves that bounce off of the various parts of the heart. The patient then lies down on a special bed or exam table. To improve the quality of the pictures, a technologist applies a colorless gel to the area where the transducer will be placed. The technologist then moves the transducer over the chest to obtain the desired images. The transducer picks up the reflected echo waves and sends them to a computer. The computer turns the echoes into a moving image of the heart. The image is then displayed on a monitor screen.

The information gained from the echo helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis of your heart condition and develop the treatment plan that's best for you.

For more information about echocardiography, please call (603) 326-5847.