What to Expect from an Echocardiogram

Step 2: Begin the Echocardiogram

The echocardiogram measures the size of your heart, how well it’s pumping, and how well the heart valves are functioning. It also checks the fluid surrounding your heart. It’s often prescribed to determine the cause of a detected heart murmur or to rule out heart disease.

The echocardiogram is a non-invasive exam. And unlike other non-invasive imaging procedures, the echo does not involve the use of any ionizing radiation like an X-ray or CT scan.

Echocardiogram FAQ: Will I be given any medication?
You will most likely not be given any medication. In some overweight patients, the heart muscle may not be adequately visualized. In that case, a physician or sonographer may recommend that the patient have an ultrasound contrast agent, which would allow the sonographer to accurately view the heart function.