An echocardiogram, often simply called an "echo," is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create real-time, moving images of the heart.

Here's how the procedure works and what it visualizes:

1. Sound Wave Transmission: A small, handheld device called a transducer (or probe) is placed on the chest, often with a special gel to ensure good contact. This transducer emits harmless, inaudible sound waves.
2. Echo Reception: These sound waves travel through the chest and "bounce" off the heart's structures (chambers, valves, walls, major blood vessels).
3. Image Formation: The transducer then picks up these reflected sound waves (echos). A computer processes these echoes and converts them into dynamic, moving pictures displayed on a monitor.
4. Assessment: The images allow doctors to visualize and assess:
   • The size and shape of the heart and its chambers.
   • The pumping function and strength of the heart muscle.
   • The movement and function of the heart valves, and whether they are opening and closing properly.
   • Blood flow through the heart and major blood vessels (often using Doppler technology to show direction and speed of blood flow).
   • The presence of any abnormalities, such as clots, tumors, fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), or congenital heart defects.