A heart ultrasound, or echocardiogram, is a non-invasive and painless test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. The test is commonly used to diagnose heart valve problems, heart failure, congenital heart defects and heart disease. Heart ultrasound provides important information about the size and function of the heart, as well as the blood flow through the heart. 

How is the heart ultrasound performed?

During a heart ultrasound, a head is placed in the chest that emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves are reflected back to the heart and create images that are displayed on a computer monitor. The test takes about 30 minutes and is painless.