An echocardiogram uses sound waves to assess the heart's function and structures in a noninvasive way. A trained sonographer places a transducer on the chest at certain locations and angles, which sends ultrasonic sound waves through the skin and other body tissues to the heart, where the waves echo off the heart structures and produce images. The echocardiogram allows doctors to diagnose, evaluate and monitor types of heart problems.
Atherosclerosis
According to the Standford Hospital and Clinics, individuals who have atherosclerosis benefit from an echocardiogram test, which may reveal a worsening of the condition. Atherosclerosis results as a gradual clogging of the arteries over many years by fatty materials and other substances in the bloodstream. An echocardiogram is also used to diagnose atherosclerosis.
Aneurysm
According to the Standford Hospital and Clinics, an aneurysm dilates part of the aorta, or the large artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. An echocardiogram detects any weakness of the heart muscle wall that an aneurysm caused.
Blood Clots or Tumors
An echocardiogram detects tumors located on the outside surface of the heart, within the heart chambers or within the muscle tissue of the heart, notes the Standford Hospital and Clinics. If a stroke occurred, an echocardiogram test checks for blood clots or tumors that may have caused it.
Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects occur during fetal formation and can affect one or more of the heart structures. Infants and children have echocardiograms to detect congenital heart defects, such as a ventricular septal defect, which is a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart.
Cardiomyopathy
An echocardiogram detects cardiomyopathy, which is an enlargement of the heart due to thickening or weakening of the heart muscle. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an enlarged heart results from high blood pressure, leaky heart valves or heart failure.
Weakened Heart Muscle
An echocardiogram displays the pumping action and damaged areas of the heart following a heart attack and weakened areas that occur from coronary artery disease.
Abnormal Heart Valves
Abnormal heart valves, or a malfunction of one or more of the heart valves, can cause an obstruction of the blood flow within the heart. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that an echocardiogram shows whether any of the heart valves open normally or don't form a complete seal when closed.
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