Echocardiogram 101: What Patients Should Know
Have you ever wondered how doctors check your heart without opening your chest? One of the safest and most helpful ways is through something called an echo test. Also known as an echocardiogram, this test uses sound waves to take moving pictures of your heart. In 2025, this kind of heart imaging will become even more important. With heart disease being the top cause of death in the United States, tools like the echo heart test are saving lives every day. Every year, over 805,000 Americans have heart attacks. That’s why early checks are so important. Press enter or click to view image in full size Echocardiogram 101: What Patients Should Know What Exactly Is an Echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is often called a heart ultrasound. Just like the ultrasound used during pregnancy, this one uses sound waves too but for your heart. It shows how your heart moves, how well it’s pumping, and if the heart valves are working properly. Doctors usually start with a transthoracic ec...