ECHOCARDIOGRAM
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Ultrasound uses sound waves to help doctors see inside the body. It does not hurt or damage the body. During an echocardiogram, a doctor can watch the moving heart while it is beating and see many of its structures working.
An echocardiogram is the best way for a cardiologist (heart specialist) to see if a congenital heart defect is present. A cardiologist can also evaluate the heart of someone who has had a heart attack, or assess the pumping function of the heart.