Echocardiogram
Also called Echo and 2-D Echo, this test uses an ultrasound to visualize the patient's heart. During the exam, the heart muscle (myocardium), the four chambers, and four heart valves will be evaluated. An ultrasonic gel will be applied to the chest of the patient, and a transducer will be placed on the chest with subtle movements to evaluate different parts of the heart. Three different places on the chest (or windows) will be used to evaluate the heart from different angles. Color and Doppler will be used to evaluate blood flowing through the chambers and the heart valves.