Echo and ECG

This drawing shows a person getting an echocardiogram ("echo"). A doctor or nurse puts gel on the person's chest. They press a thick wand called a "transducer" against the chest and move it around. The echo uses sound waves to create images of the heart as it beats. It shows the size of the heart chambers, how well the heart is pumping, and how well the heart valves are working.

Another test called an electrocardiogram ("ECG") is done during an echo. For an ECG, patches called "electrodes" are stuck to the chest. Wires run from the electrodes to a machine that records the electrical activity of the heart.