Echocardiogram An echocardiogram checks how your heart's chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bonow RO, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Sept. Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Zitelli BJ, et al. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Mankad R expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
News from Mayo Clinic Understanding heart tests Sept. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The test has been around for a long time, but the quality of the images that doctors can get with it continues to improve. Miyasaka says. Doctors might want to see an echocardiogram to investigate signs or symptoms of heart diseases, like shortness of breath, chest discomfort or swelling in the legs.
They might also order an echocardiogram if something abnormal, like a heart murmur, is detected during an exam. Depending on why the echo test is being ordered, your doctor might also order other diagnostic tests like blood work or an electrocardiogram. You will typically go to an outpatient facility, and it should take no more than an hour. The gel might be a little cold, but otherwise you should not feel any major discomfort during the test.
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Top of the page. Topic Overview Heart tests can help your doctor find out if you are at risk for a heart problem, if you have a heart problem, and what treatment you need. They can also help your doctor: Check your heart's electrical system. Check your pacemaker or other implanted device. See if your heart can handle more exercise.
Check how well your heart valves are working. Look for problems with the structure of your heart. Non-invasive tests Non-invasive tests do not require a doctor to insert a device into your body. Cardiac catheterization Makes moving pictures of blood flow in the heart Checks blood flow and blood pressure in the chambers of the heart Checks how well the heart valves work Checks for problems in the structure of the heart Checks how well the walls of the heart move Coronary angiogram Makes moving pictures of blood flow in coronary arteries Checks for narrowing or blockages Checks blood flow Heart Disease: Should I Have an Angiogram?
Questions to ask your doctor Before you have a test, you can ask your doctor questions so that you can decide together if a test is right for you.
Questions that you might ask your doctor include: "Why am I going to have this test? Do I have a choice of which test to have? If you need help stopping, ask your health care provider. Ask your health care provider about your blood counts. If your red blood cell counts are low, ask your health care provider about whether simple treatments like iron can be used to boost your red blood cells for surgery.
That way, you can reduce the risk of needing a blood transfusion. Ask which pain medicines you can take. Ask your health care provider if you should stop aspirin or other blood thinners. Ask for help.
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