Echocardiogram (ECHO)

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create a detailed image of the heart. It's similar to an ultrasound and provides real-time visuals of the heart's structure, chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns. During the procedure, a technician places a transducer device on the chest that emits sound waves and captures their echoes as they bounce off various parts of the heart. This produces moving images of the heart that help doctors assess its function, detect abnormalities, and diagnose conditions such as heart valve issues, heart muscle disease, heart failure, or congenital heart defects.