Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)
An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound of the heart that produces moving images of the cardiac chambers, valves, and surrounding vessels. It gives your physician a direct look at how your heart is functioning — its pumping strength, valve movement, and blood flow direction — without any radiation.
What This Exam Covers
- •Ejection fraction and overall cardiac function
- •Valve structure, movement, and any abnormalities
- •Chamber dimensions and wall thickness
- •Direction and velocity of blood flow (Doppler)
- •Pericardial fluid or structural masses
How To Prepare
- 1Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit so the technologist can access your chest easily.
- 2Bring a current list of your cardiac medications.
- 3No fasting is required for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram.
Common Questions
How is this different from an EKG?+
An EKG (electrocardiogram) measures the electrical activity of your heart. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart's physical structure and movement. Your physician may order both together for a more complete picture of cardiac health.
Will I need to undress?+
You will need to expose your chest for the probe. We provide a gown and take care to protect your comfort and privacy throughout the exam.
Who reads the results?+
Your echocardiogram is interpreted by our board-certified radiologist and cardiologist-reviewed as appropriate. Results are sent to your ordering provider, typically within 24 hours.
Schedule Your Scan Today
Our Metro Atlanta team confirms most appointments within one business day. Self-pay and most major insurance plans accepted.