2D ECHO with Color Doppler

An echo is a visual representation of how your heart moves. The Technologist uses a handheld wand to capture images of your heart’s valves and chambers during an echo test. This allows your doctor to evaluate how your heart pumps. Echocardiograms often use a combination of echo, Doppler ultrasonography, and color ultrasonography techniques to measure blood flow through your heart’s valves. Unlike other tests such as X-rays or CT scans, an echo does not use any radiation.

Echocardiograms measure the pumping of blood through the chambers and valves of the heart. Echocardiograms use electrodes to measure heart rhythm, as well as ultrasound technology to measure the movement of blood through the heart. These tests can be used to detect heart conditions.

Echo appear as images on your sonographer’s computer screen. The pictures can then be saved for later review by your cardiologist or physician.

There are no special precautions to follow for an echo. Generally, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything before the test. You can take your medications as usual.