Echocardiography

An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that allows Summa Health cardiologists to observe the size and function of all the heart’s chambers, evaluate the valves and detect abnormalities. All by using high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the heart.

During an echocardiogram, a technician moves a hand-held device over your chest so images and sounds are produced. A device, called a transducer, picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen. Your physician reviews the results of the test to determine if there are any abnormalities of the heart muscle or valves.

There are a variety of echo tests, including transthoracic echoes (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echoes, as well as special techniques like stain imaging and 3D. Echo testing is often adjunct to structural heart and EP programs.

All of Summa Health’s echo readers are board-certified and the Summa Health Heart and Vascular Institute's echocardiogram laboratory is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). This accreditation is indication that the Institute has proven a commitment to providing quality medical testing for our patients.

For more information, schedule an appointment with the Summa Health Heart and Vascular Institute.