Echocardiography (echo)

Echocardiography (Echo) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce real-time images of the heart. It is a key tool in evaluating heart structure, function, and blood flow, providing critical insights for diagnosing and managing heart conditions such as valve disorders, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and cardiomyopathy.

During the procedure, a handheld device called a transducer is placed on the chest or specific areas of the body, emitting sound waves that bounce off the heart and return as echoes. These echoes are converted into moving images displayed on a monitor. Advanced forms of echocardiography, such as Doppler echo, assess blood flow and pressure, while stress echo evaluates heart function under stress or exercise. It is painless, safe, and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a preferred choice for routine cardiac evaluations.