What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a procedure in which a doctor or a highly trained technician uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to learn more about the inner workings of the heart.

When is it used?

An echocardiogram can show the size of the heart's chambers, the thickness of the chamber walls, how the chambers and heart valves are working, and if there is fluid collecting around the heart.

Depending on your problem, examples of alternatives include:

• x-rays

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging, which uses magnetism and radio waves to produce a picture clearer than x-rays)

• radionuclear scans of the heart muscle or cavity

• cardiac catheterization (a procedure that identifies different heart diseases).

Also, you may choose not to have this test, recognizing the risks of not knowing about your condition. You should ask your doctor about these choices.

What happens during the procedure?

You will lie down on an examining table. A technician places some lubricant and a transducer on your chest. The transducer beams high frequency sound waves at your heart. This information is returned, or echoed, to the transducer and converted into a picture, which is recorded on videotape or a strip of paper. You may have to move a bit until the best viewing spot is found. Then the technician moves the transducer to several locations on your chest until the picture is complete. You may be able to watch the picture while it is being obtained. An electrocardiogram (ECG) might be done at the same time.

What happens after the procedure?

You can go home.

The doctor will tell you what the picture shows. In some cases the results go to your doctor who gives you the results at your next appointment.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

This procedure will not cure the problem, but it helps the doctor make a better diagnosis and assists him or her in planning your therapy.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

There is no known risk to this procedure.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if you are still bothered by the original problem.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.