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Echocardiography overview

Echocardiography, also known as echo, surface echo, or ultrasound of the heart, is generally a noninvasive procedure in which ultrasound waves are used to create moving pictures of the heart and the great cardiac vessels. These pictures provide information about the size, shape, and movement of the heart chambers and valves, allowing cardiologist to assess cardiac and valvular functions. Echocardiography can also reveal structural abnormalities in the heart, such as congenital defects, and can be used to measure blood velocity and flow through the heart.

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Review Date: 4/10/2023

Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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