Echocardiograms, also known as cardiac ultrasound or echo, are non-invasive diagnostic tests that utilize sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. During the procedure, a transducer emits high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off the heart and produce real-time images displayed on a monitor. 

Echocardiograms allow healthcare providers to evaluate the size, shape, and movement of the heart chambers, valves, and blood vessels, enabling them to assess cardiac function, detect abnormalities such as heart valve disorders, congenital heart defects, or heart muscle diseases, and monitor conditions like heart failure or coronary artery disease. 

Additionally, Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess blood flow through the heart and identify any abnormalities or disturbances. Echocardiograms play a vital role in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring patients’ cardiac health over time.