An echocardiogram is a type of test that uses ultrasound to detect any disorders associated with the heart. A transducer sends the ultrasound which is reflected by the parts of the heart. The reflected ultrasound called the echo is interpreted to form an image of the heart and displayed on a monitor. An echocardiogram can be used to find out the thickness of the heart walls and to check if the valves of the heart are functioning properly. It can also be used to estimate the amount of blood that the heart is pumping in unit time.


There are different types of echocardiograms. They are:

Transthoracic echocardiogram: This is the most common type of echocardiogram. In this type of echocardiogram, the transducer is moved to different locations in the chest region to obtain the image of the heart. This test is used to find the causes of abnormal heart sounds like heart murmurs. This is also used to find out the thickness and movement of the heart muscle.
Stress echocardiogram: In this test echocardiogram is done two times—once when the body is at rest and again during exercise. This test is used to find out whether adequate supply of blood is reaching the heart muscles or not.
Doppler echocardiogram: This is used to know more about the movement of blood through the heart. This test is based on Doppler’s effect. The movement of the blood causes the ultrasound to be reflected which is detected by the detector. This echo is interpreted to deduce the speed and direction of blood flow.
Transesophageal echocardiogram: In this test the detector is passed down the esophagus. This test gives better results as the detector is situated closer to the heart when compared with other tests. The sound is also not obstructed by the lungs and the chest bones. This test is performed to monitor the heart during a surgery. It is also used to check the extent to which an implanted artificial heart valve may work.
Echocardiogram is sometimes used in combination with electrocardiogram and stress test to get better information about the heart.


Echocardiogram is very safe as only sound waves are used during the test. These sound waves do not have any harmful effect on the body. There are no side effects associated with transthoracic echocardiogram. Same is the case with Doppler echocardiogram. However, stress echocardiogram may cause nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, irregular heart beats and even heart attack. Transesophageal echocardiogram can sometimes cause discomfort in the mouth or throat, minor bleeding, breathing trouble and abnormal heart beats. Transesophageal echocardiogram is not advised if there are some problems like narrow esophagus, esophageal varices or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.


Echocardiogram may be affected by some factors. If the patient has very large chest or large breasts or is excessively overweight, the results of echocardiogram may not be accurate. Also if the patient is suffering from lungs diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the results may be affected. In such cases alternative tests like electrocardiogram are used to assess the condition of the patient.