Echocardiogram — See Your Heart in Motion
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create real-time moving images of your heart, helping your doctor evaluate heart function, valve performance, and blood flow — with zero radiation.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (often called an "echo") is a specialized ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to produce real-time, moving images showing how your heart chambers and valves are functioning, how blood flows through your heart, and the overall strength of your heart muscle. It's the primary tool cardiologists use to evaluate heart health — completely non-invasive and radiation-free.
What Can Echocardiogram Diagnose?
- Heart valve problems (leaking or narrowing)
- Heart muscle weakness (cardiomyopathy)
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart murmurs
- Congenital heart defects
- Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)
- Blood clots in the heart
- Overall cardiac function assessment
How to Prepare for Your Echocardiogram
- 1No special preparation is needed for a standard echocardiogram
- 2Wear a comfortable, two-piece outfit (you'll undress from the waist up)
- 3You may eat and drink normally before the exam
- 4Continue taking all medications as prescribed
- 5Arrive 15 minutes early with insurance card and referral
What to Expect During Your Echocardiogram
Preparation
You'll change into a gown from the waist up. Small electrode stickers will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm during the exam.
The Echocardiogram
You'll lie on your left side. The sonographer applies warm gel to your chest and uses a transducer to capture images of your heart from several angles. You'll hear a "whooshing" sound — that's your blood flow being measured.
Doppler Assessment
Color Doppler technology maps blood flow direction and speed through your heart. This helps detect valve leaks, narrowing, and abnormal flow patterns.
After the Exam
Electrodes and gel are removed. Resume all normal activities immediately. Your cardiologist or physician will receive results within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
An EKG (electrocardiogram) records your heart's electrical activity using electrodes. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create actual images of your heart structure and function. They test different things — your doctor may order one or both.
No. It's completely painless. You'll feel the transducer pressing gently on your chest with gel. Some slight pressure is needed for clear images, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram takes about 25–40 minutes. The complete echo with Doppler and color flow provides the most comprehensive assessment of heart function.
Yes, a physician's order is required. Your primary care doctor or cardiologist will order the echo if indicated. Call (727) 398-5999 with questions.
Your doctor may order an echo if you have a heart murmur, shortness of breath, chest pain, high blood pressure with suspected heart involvement, a history of heart valve problems, or unexplained fatigue. It's also used to monitor heart failure and assess heart function before certain surgeries.
Yes, most insurance plans cover echocardiograms when ordered by a physician for a medical indication. We verify your benefits before your appointment. Self-pay pricing is also available — call (727) 398-5999.
Our board-certified cardiologist interprets your echocardiogram and sends results to your referring physician within 48 hours. For urgent cases, stat reads are available the same day.
No special preparation is needed. Eat and drink normally, take your regular medications, and wear a comfortable two-piece outfit since you'll undress from the waist up. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.
Ready to Schedule Your Echocardiogram?
Call us or book online. We'll get you scheduled quickly.