Heart test

Echocardiogram: an ultrasound of your heart

An echocardiogram (often called an “echo”) uses sound waves to look at the heart’s structure and pump function. It is painless and uses no radiation.

Book a cardiology consultation Call (305) 249-5666

What it shows

Pumping strength

How well the heart muscle squeezes and relaxes. Important when checking for heart failure.

The valves

Whether the heart valves open fully and close tightly.

Size and structure

The size of the heart’s chambers and the thickness of its walls, which long-standing high blood pressure can change.

Who it is for

A first cardiology visit often includes an echocardiogram. Your cardiologist may recommend one for:

Shortness of breath at rest or with light activity
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
A heart murmur
Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting
Follow-up of a known heart condition

How it works

What happens

This describes a standard echocardiogram through the chest wall.

01

You lie on an exam table

Usually on your left side, with your chest uncovered. A gown is provided.
02

Gel and a handheld probe

The sonographer moves the probe over your chest. You may feel light pressure and hear a whooshing sound — that is blood moving through the heart.
03

Your cardiologist reviews the pictures

The results are explained to you in plain language, along with what they mean for your plan.

Where it is done, and what to bring

Our MedSquare Health office in Kendall provides non-invasive cardiac testing. When we schedule your echocardiogram, our team confirms the place and time.

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, your medication list, and any earlier echocardiogram reports (on disc if possible). No fasting is needed for a standard echocardiogram.

Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.

Questions about the echocardiogram

Does it hurt?

No. There are no needles in a standard echocardiogram. The gel can feel cool and the probe is pressed lightly against the chest.

Is it the same as an EKG?

No. An EKG records the heart’s electrical signals. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound picture of the heart muscle and valves. They answer different questions and are often done together.

I had an echo somewhere else. Do I need another?

Not necessarily. Bring the report and the images if you can. Dr. Martinez-Clark reviews prior imaging before deciding whether anything needs to be repeated.

See how your heart is working.

Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day. We verify your insurance before your visit. Most new patients are seen within 5–7 business days.

Book a cardiology consultation