This noninvasive test uses sound waves to produce a moving picture of the heart’s chambers and valves. This picture is more detailed than an X-ray and does not involve the use of radiation.

 
An ultrasound transducer, which transmits high-frequency sound waves, is passed back and forth over the chest wall. These sound waves bounce (or “echo”) off the heart. The transducer collects the echoes of the sound waves, which are converted into moving images of the heart. These images can be viewed on a television monitor.

 
The echocardiogram can help evaluate heart valve problems, the heart’s pumping function, and the overall function of the heart muscle.

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