What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a test in which ultrasound is used to examine the heart. The equipment is far superior to that used by fishermen. In addition to providing single-dimension images, known as M-mode echo that allows accurate measurement of the heart chambers, the echocardiogram also offers far more sophisticated and advanced imaging. This is known as two- dimensional (2-D) Echo and is capable of displaying a cross-sectional "slice" of the beating heart, including the chambers, valves and the major blood vessels that exit from the left and right ventricle.

Does it hurt?
No. No feeling comes from the sound waves themselves; sometimes the skin feels mildly warm. Occasionally there’s mild discomfort from the transducer pressing on the skin.

Is it harmful?
No. There are no known ill effects of the sound waves used during a standard echocardiogram