An echocardiography, echocardiogram, cardiac echo or simply an echo, is an ultrasound of the heart. It is a type of medical imaging of the heart, using standard ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound.

What is an echocardiogram and what can it detect?

An echocardiogram checks how your heart's chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. An echocardiogram uses electrodes to check your heart rhythm and ultrasound technology to see how blood moves through your heart. An echocardiogram can help your doctor diagnose heart conditions.

What are echocardiograms used to detect?

An echocardiogram is an imaging technique that uses ultrasound to look at the structure and function of the heart; it can detect heart failure, heart valve problems and other cardiac issues.