Your heart is a powerful muscle that works around the clock, and keeping it healthy requires more than just checking your pulse or blood pressure. An echocardiogram is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your heart. It shows how the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow are functioning, giving providers valuable insight into your cardiovascular health.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, sometimes called an “echo,” uses ultrasound technology to produce real-time images of the heart. During the test:
- A small device called a transducer is placed on your chest.
- The transducer sends sound waves that bounce off the heart structures.
- A computer converts these echoes into moving images on a monitor.
This allows providers to see the heart’s size, shape, pumping strength, and how well the valves are working. In some cases, the test may be performed with a small transducer inserted into the esophagus (transesophageal echocardiogram) for a closer look at certain structures.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Test?
An echocardiogram may be ordered if you have:
- Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in the legs.
- A heart murmur detected during a physical exam.
- Known heart valve disease.
- A history of heart attack or heart failure.
- Unexplained irregular heart rhythms.
It is also used to monitor certain heart conditions over time or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
Benefits of an Echocardiogram
- Non-Invasive – No needles, injections, or radiation.
- Detailed Imaging – Shows the heart’s structure and motion in real time.
- Early Detection – Identifies problems before they cause serious complications.
- Guides Treatment – Helps determine the best plan for managing heart conditions.
- Safe and Painless – Suitable for people of all ages, including those who cannot undergo more invasive tests.
How Should I Prepare?
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your chest area for the echocardiogram.
- You may be asked to change into a gown.
- Generally, no special dietary restrictions are required unless your provider instructs otherwise.
What Happens During the Test?
Step 1: Preparation
- You will lie on an exam table.
- A small amount of gel is applied to your chest to help the transducer make contact with your skin.
Step 2: Imaging
- The transducer is moved across your chest to capture images from different angles.
- You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath briefly for clearer images.
Step 3: Completion
- The gel is wiped off, and you can return to normal activities right away.
The test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Is It Safe?
Yes. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves, which are harmless. There is no exposure to radiation, and complications are extremely rare.
When Will I Get My Results?
In many cases, your provider can review the images and discuss the findings soon after the test. A full report will be available once the images are fully analyzed.
Get Clarity About Your Heart Health with Epic Cardiology
If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart problem, have a known heart condition, or need to monitor your cardiovascular health, an echocardiogram can provide clear, valuable information.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take an important step toward protecting your heart health.
Your heart is a powerful muscle that works around the clock, and keeping it healthy requires more than just checking your pulse or blood pressure. An echocardiogram is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your heart. It shows how the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow are functioning, giving providers valuable insight into your cardiovascular health.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, sometimes called an “echo,” uses ultrasound technology to produce real-time images of the heart. During the test:
- A small device called a transducer is placed on your chest.
- The transducer sends sound waves that bounce off the heart structures.
- A computer converts these echoes into moving images on a monitor.
This allows providers to see the heart’s size, shape, pumping strength, and how well the valves are working. In some cases, the test may be performed with a small transducer inserted into the esophagus (transesophageal echocardiogram) for a closer look at certain structures.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Test?
An echocardiogram may be ordered if you have:
- Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in the legs.
- A heart murmur detected during a physical exam.
- Known heart valve disease.
- A history of heart attack or heart failure.
- Unexplained irregular heart rhythms.
It is also used to monitor certain heart conditions over time or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
Benefits of an Echocardiogram
- Non-Invasive – No needles, injections, or radiation.
- Detailed Imaging – Shows the heart’s structure and motion in real time.
- Early Detection – Identifies problems before they cause serious complications.
- Guides Treatment – Helps determine the best plan for managing heart conditions.
- Safe and Painless – Suitable for people of all ages, including those who cannot undergo more invasive tests.
How Should I Prepare?
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your chest area for the echocardiogram.
- You may be asked to change into a gown.
- Generally, no special dietary restrictions are required unless your provider instructs otherwise.
What Happens During the Test?
Step 1: Preparation
- You will lie on an exam table.
- A small amount of gel is applied to your chest to help the transducer make contact with your skin.
Step 2: Imaging
- The transducer is moved across your chest to capture images from different angles.
- You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath briefly for clearer images.
Step 3: Completion
- The gel is wiped off, and you can return to normal activities right away.
The test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Is It Safe?
Yes. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves, which are harmless. There is no exposure to radiation, and complications are extremely rare.
When Will I Get My Results?
In many cases, your provider can review the images and discuss the findings soon after the test. A full report will be available once the images are fully analyzed.
Get Clarity About Your Heart Health with Epic Cardiology
If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart problem, have a known heart condition, or need to monitor your cardiovascular health, an echocardiogram can provide clear, valuable information.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take an important step toward protecting your heart health.