Skip to content 
Echocardiogram: Understanding Heart Ultrasound
Non-invasive imaging for comprehensive cardiac assessment
Overview
An echocardiogram (echo) is a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of the heart and nearby blood vessels. It allows doctors to examine the heart's structure, assess how well the heart chambers and valves are working, and observe blood flow through the heart.
Echocardiograms are essential for diagnosing, monitoring, and guiding treatment for various heart conditions. The test is painless, typically takes 30-60 minutes, and can be performed in hospitals, clinics, or even mobile settings.
Key Statistics on Echocardiography
How Echocardiography Works
- A small device called a transducer emits high-frequency sound waves
- These waves bounce off heart structures and return as echoes
- The transducer captures these echoes
- A computer converts the echoes into real-time moving images
- Transthoracic Echo (TTE): Transducer placed on chest surface
- Transesophageal Echo (TEE): Transducer inserted into esophagus for clearer images
- Stress Echo: Images taken during exercise or medication-induced stress
- Doppler Echo: Specialized technique to measure blood flow
What Echocardiograms Diagnose
Types of Echocardiograms
| Type | Description | Duration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transthoracic (TTE) | Most common; transducer placed on chest surface | 30-45 minutes | None required |
| Transesophageal (TEE) | More detailed; transducer inserted into esophagus | 20-40 minutes | Fasting for 6 hours |
| Stress Echo | Images before/after exercise or medication stress | 60-90 minutes | Comfortable clothing, no caffeine |
| Doppler & Contrast Echo | Assesses blood flow; may use contrast agents | 45-60 minutes | No special preparation |
Procedure and What to Expect
Remove clothing from the waist up and wear a gown. For TEE, fasting is required.
Small electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor heart rhythm.
A cool gel is applied to your chest to help transmit sound waves.
The technician moves the transducer across your chest to capture images.
You may be asked to hold your breath briefly for clearer images.
Gel is wiped off, and you can resume normal activities immediately.
ECG vs. Echocardiogram
| Feature | Echocardiogram (Echo) | Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Visualizes heart structure and function | Records electrical activity of the heart |
| Technology | Ultrasound sound waves | Electrical sensors |
| Images | Moving images of heart anatomy | Graph of electrical patterns |
| Detects | Structural problems, valve issues, pumping efficiency | Heart rhythm abnormalities, ischemia, heart attacks |
| Duration | 30-60 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Best For | Evaluating heart structure and function | Detecting rhythm disorders and electrical problems |
Clinical Importance:
Echocardiograms are essential for early detection and management of heart disease, enabling timely and precise treatment decisions. They can be performed in hospitals, clinics, and even in-house labs for faster results and better patient care.
At Northern Arizona Medical Group, we utilize state-of-the-art echocardiography technology combined with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to provide comprehensive cardiac care across Kingman, AZ . Our approach allows for:
- Early detection of heart conditions before symptoms appear
- Continuous monitoring of cardiac function for at-risk patients
- Personalized treatment plans based on detailed cardiac imaging
- Reduced hospital visits through remote monitoring technology
- Improved outcomes through timely intervention
Take Control of Your Heart Health
If you need cardiac evaluation or have been diagnosed with a heart condition, our team at NAMG is here to help with advanced diagnostic services and ongoing cardiac care.
Call us at 928-757-8440 or visit our website at namg.us to schedule your echocardiogram or consultation.
Schedule an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
It shows moving images of the heart's structure, function, valve operation, and blood flow.
Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol for 24 hours before most echos; fasting is required only for transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE).
To diagnose and monitor heart conditions like valve disease, heart failure, congenital defects, and cardiac function.
It is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic test with no serious risks.
Valve diseases, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, congenital defects, infections, blood clots, and fluid around the heart.
Valve dysfunction, reduced pumping function, wall motion abnormalities, fluid around the heart, and structural defects.
Echo does not directly detect coronary artery blockages but can show effects like wall motion abnormalities.
Generally yes, a normal echo indicates good heart structure and function.
ECG records electrical activity of the heart; echo uses ultrasound to image heart structure and function
An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound focused on the heart; ultrasound can image various body parts
Echocardiogram.
It means abnormalities were detected; further evaluation or treatment will be needed.
Usually none; TEE may cause mild throat discomfort or sedation effects.
Depends on the problem; echo is excellent for structure/function, ECG for electrical issues, angiography for blockages
Rarely; image quality or operator skill can affect accuracy.
Normal heart size, wall thickness, valve function, and ejection fraction (usually 55-70%).
A normal ECG suggests no electrical abnormalities but does not rule out structural heart disease.
Coronary angiography or CT coronary angiogram are best for detecting blockages.
