Echocardiogram
A study using high-frequency sound waves to picture or visualize the heart chambers, the thickness of the muscle wall, the heart valves, and major blood vessels located near the heart. This is a noninvasive test that can diagnose heart failure, changes from hypertension, murmurs, and causes of shortness of breath or chest pain.
The study takes about 20 minutes to perform. Any clothing may be worn and there is no restriction on diet before the test.