May
25
All About Echocardiograms
May 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Echocardiograms, also known as a Doppler ultrasound of the heart or a surface echo, are medical tests that use sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. Echocardiograms are more detailed than x-rays and do not involve radiation exposure. They are helpful in detecting abnormal heart sounds, an enlarged heart, and investigating unexplained chest pains, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats. Additionally, the test can measure the thickness and movement of the heart’s walls, if an artificial valve is performing properly, locate blood clots and tumors, and check the cardiac blood flow.



