What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Is It Done?

An echocardiogram, or echo, is a noninvasive test that uses ultrasound technology to create moving images of your heart. It lets doctors see your heart in action, making it easier to diagnose problems and track progress over time. At Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group in South Dallas, TX, Dr. G. Mark Jenkins and Dr. Luis Bowen use echocardiograms as a cornerstone of heart care, helping patients receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

How an Echocardiogram Works

As the test is conducted, a small probe, a transducer, is pushed against your chest. It sends high-frequency sound waves into the structures of the heart, and the sound waves echo back to form moving pictures on a monitor in real time. The photos show the heart's size, shape, and movement, and how well the chambers and valves work.

Unlike other radiation-based imaging examinations, an echocardiogram is entirely harmless and safe for most people, including children and women who are pregnant.

When an Echocardiogram Is Recommended

Your physician will have you get an echocardiogram if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling in the legs. It is also used to look for heart valve disease, assess damage from a heart attack, detect congenital defects of the heart, monitor chronic conditions such as heart failure, and assess the treatment's progress.

By providing a detailed description of how your heart works, the test allows Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Bowen to make informed decisions about your care.

Types of Echocardiograms

The most common is the basic transthoracic echocardiogram, but some others may be indicated. A transesophageal echocardiogram shows an even closer view by advancing a narrow probe through the esophagus. A stress echocardiogram identifies the heart's response under activity or medication-induced stress. Doppler echocardiograms are focused on evaluating blood flow in and out of the heart and arteries.

The right choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, and what your cardiologist needs to evaluate.

What to Expect

Most echocardiograms take 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll lie on an exam table while a technician applies gel to your chest and moves the transducer to capture images from different angles. The test is painless, and once it’s complete, your cardiologist will review the results with you and explain the next steps.

Advanced Heart Imaging in South Dallas

If you’ve been told you need an echocardiogram or want to learn more about its role in heart health, Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group in South Dallas, TX, is here to help. Call (469) 437-3560 to schedule an appointment with Dr. G. Mark Jenkins or Dr. Luis Bowen and take a proactive step toward protecting your heart.