Echocardiography
A type of ultrasound, an echocardiography (also known as a echo or echocardiogram), is a diagnostic tool that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. The sound waves are sent through a transducer placed on the surface of the chest and reflect off certain areas of the heart which are then converted into pictures. This test is used to check the heart's ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body and measure how much blood is actually pumped in each contraction. This test also is used to evaluate the valve function, find evidence of heart failure, and confirm that the heart is of normal size. There are three main types of echocardiograms:

Transesophageal (TEE)
This is a specialized test that emits the sound waves through the esophagus instead of the chest or abdomen. This gives the physicians better pictures of the heart because the transducer is closer to the heart. Local and intravenous anesthetics are used with TEE to minimize any discomfort to the back of the throat.

Stress Echocardiogram Test
The patient either exercises on a treadmill or is given a drug called a dobutamine for this test in order to stress the heart. The echocardiogram is then performed before and after the heart is overloaded in order to see if the patient has a significantly reduced blood flow to the heart.

Carotid Ultrasound
This is a test that looks at plaque build-up in the arteries of the neck supplying blood to the brain. This gives physicians information about risk of stroke as well as predicts higher likelihood of plaque in other artery branches including the heart, kidneys and legs.

This test compares pressures in the arms and legs. It may identify peripheral vascular disease and increased risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke.