Echocardiogram at London General Practice

Echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure that demonstrates the heart's function using ultrasound technology. It is sometimes referred to as an ECHO because a high-frequency sound is used for diagnosis. Echocardiogram, often referred to as a cardiac echo, or simply an echo, is a sonogram of the heart. (It is not abbreviated to ECG, which only refers to an electrocardiogram). Usually, echocardiography uses standard two-dimensional ultrasound images of the heart. However, there are also more specialised echo procedures such as dobutamine stress echos, transoesophageal echos and 3-D echos. Echocardiography has become routinely used in the diagnosis, management and follow-up of patients with any suspected or known heart diseases. It can provide a wealth of helpful information, including the size and shape of the heart, pumping capacity, and the location and extent of any tissue damage.