An echocardiogram is a safe, noninvasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of your heart. At California Cardiac Institute, it helps us identify structural problems, assess how well your heart pumps blood, and gain insights into your heart health.
Detect Issues With Heart Valves and Chambers
An echocardiogram is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of your heart. It allows our physicians to see the heart’s size, shape, and motion, and to evaluate how well it is functioning. With this test, we can assess the pumping strength of your heart, examine the chambers and valves, and detect issues such as fluid around the heart or abnormal blood flow, making it essential for diagnosing many cardiovascular conditions.
Echocardiograms Identify:
- Heart size and wall thickness
- Pumping strength and efficiency
- Valve structure and function
- Abnormal blood flow or clots
- Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- Congenital heart defects or abnormalities
- Signs of heart failure or cardiomyopathy
Why is an Echocardiogram Done
An echocardiogram is performed to give our physicians a clear view of how your heart is functioning. It helps us detect problems early, evaluate symptoms you may be experiencing, and guide treatment decisions with precision. Because the test is noninvasive and highly accurate, it is often one of the first steps in diagnosing heart conditions.
You may need an echocardiogram if:
- You have unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
- You experience irregular heartbeats or palpitations
- You show signs of heart failure or fluid buildup
- You have a heart murmur or a suspected valve problem
- You need ongoing monitoring for an existing heart condition
What to Expect During Your Echocardiogram
During your echocardiogram, you’ll lie on your side while we attach electrodes to your chest to record your heart’s electrical activity. A water-based gel is applied to your skin, allowing sound waves to travel from the ultrasound probe (called a transducer) into your chest. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your heart structures, creating moving images on a monitor so we can see how your heart is working in real time. During the test, we may adjust the probe to view your heart from different angles or ask you to take short breaths or hold still briefly. This lets us measure how efficiently blood is pumped with each beat, examine your valves for leakage or narrowing, and check the thickness of the heart muscle walls. The process is painless, radiation-free, and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Interpreting Your Echocardiogram
Once your echocardiogram is complete, our physicians analyze the images to understand how well your heart is functioning. The results help us pinpoint issues that may be affecting your cardiovascular health and guide the best treatment plan for you.
We review several key areas, including:
- How effectively your heart chambers are pumping blood
- Whether your heart muscle is thickened or weakened
- The structure and function of your heart valves
- The presence of abnormal blood flow or clots
- Signs of fluid buildup around the heart
- Congenital or structural heart abnormalities
Schedule Your Consultation
California Cardiac Institute is dedicated to helping you protect your heart health with the most advanced diagnostic imaging available, including our state-of-the-art echocardiogram testing. Our physicians combine cutting-edge technology with preventive care to give you clear answers about your cardiovascular health. We also offer same-day appointments and accept walk-ins because heart conditions should never wait. If you are experiencing symptoms or need a thorough evaluation, schedule your consultation today in Glendale.
