Echocardiogram
Also known as: Echo, 2D Echo, Cardiac Ultrasound
An echo is like a sonogram for your heart — painless and radiation-free. 'Trivial' or 'mild' valve leak on a report sounds worrying but is usually a normal finding.
What this test means
Echo uses sound waves to show the heart beating live — chamber sizes, valve function, and the ejection fraction (how strongly the heart pumps).
Why it is done
It is done for breathlessness, murmurs, after heart attacks, to check valves, and to measure pumping strength before certain treatments.
Understanding your value
Findings such as thickened walls, leaky valves, or fluid around the heart guide further treatment — many findings are mild and only need monitoring.
A low ejection fraction may suggest a weakened heart pump, which has effective treatments when found early.
A normal ejection fraction is roughly 55–70%. Mild valve leaks are extremely common and often clinically insignificant.
Review echo reports with a cardiologist, especially for reduced ejection fraction, significant valve disease, or new breathlessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
- TestEchocardiogram
- Short formsEcho, 2D Echo, Cardiac Ultrasound
- Sample typeNo sample — ultrasound scan of the heart
- CategoryHeart