An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart's valves and chambers and helps the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart's valves.

Prep for your Ultrasound Exam

Food and medications

• No special preparations are necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You can eat, drink and take medications as you normally would.

• If you're having a transesophageal echocardiogram, your doctor will ask you not to eat for several hours beforehand.

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