The echocardiogram is an
  ultrasound study of the
  heart.  It uses sound
  waves to show the
  structure and movement 
  of the heart.  This study
  provides a clear two-
  dimensional imaging of
  the chambers of the 
  heart, the heart valves,
  thickening of the walls of
  the heart, presence of
  clots inside of the heart,
  presence of fluid around
  the heart, systolic and
  diastolic function of the
  heart, etc.

The Doppler part of this test allows an evaluation of the valves of the heart –aortic, mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary – including stenosis (narrowing of the valves), or regurgitation (widening of the valves) as the blood goes through the chambers and valves of the heart with each beat.

There is no need to fast or special preparation for this test.  It is done by a small device applied to the middle and the left side of your chest, while you are lying on your back or left side.  It is simple, safe, and takes only about 20 minutes to do it.

The echocardiogram is a useful test in patients with symptoms and/or conditions related to the heart.  These include, but are not limited to, heart murmurs, chest discomfort, angina pectoris, syncope, dizziness, palpitations, hypertension, heart failure, heart valve disease, endocarditis, pericardis, cardiomyopathy, and others.