An echocardiogram, often simply called an “echo,” is one of the most useful tools doctors use to get a closer look at how your heart is functioning. It’s a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create live images of your heart. Whether you’re being evaluated for symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath—or just had one done as part of a routine check-up—it’s natural to want to understand what the results actually mean.
If you’ve received your echo report and found it filled with medical terms and numbers, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through the basics so you can better understand what your heart might be trying to tell you.
What an Echocardiogram Looks At?
An echocardiogram gives your doctor valuable insights into:
- Heart size and shape
- How well your heart is pumping
- Valve structure and function
- Blood flow through the chambers
- Presence of clots or fluid around the heart
There are different types of echos—like transthoracic, transesophageal, stress echo, or Doppler studies, but they all aim to answer the same question: is your heart working the way it should?
What are Key Echo Measurements?
Here are some common terms and numbers you might see in your report, along with what they mean:
1. Ejection Fraction (EF)
What it measures: The percentage of blood your left ventricle pumps out with each beat
Normal range: 55% to 70%
Why it matters: EF is one of the most important indicators of heart function. A low EF (below 40%) may suggest heart failure or cardiomyopathy, while a very high EF might be a sign of a different type of heart strain.
2. Left Ventricular Function
Described as normal, mildly reduced, moderately reduced, or severely reduced.
This reflects how strong the main pumping chamber of your heart is. A reduced function could explain symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath.
3. Chamber Size
If your left atrium or left ventricle is enlarged, it may point to high blood pressure, valve issues, or early signs of heart disease.
Mild enlargement can be common, but significant enlargement is something your doctor will want to monitor.
4. Valve Function (Mitral, Aortic, Tricuspid, Pulmonary)
The report may say valves are normal, thickened, prolapsed, stenotic (narrowed), or regurgitant (leaking).
Minor leakage (mild regurgitation) is often normal with age, but moderate or severe valve problems usually require follow-up.
5. Wall Motion Abnormalities
This means certain parts of the heart wall aren’t moving normally. It could be a sign of a previous heart attack or an area not getting enough blood supply.
It’s especially important if you’re experiencing chest pain or known coronary artery disease.
6. Diastolic Function
Tells how well the heart relaxes between beats.
If the heart doesn’t relax properly, it can cause blood to back up into the lungs and lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, even if EF is normal.
7. Pericardial Effusion
This refers to fluid around the heart. Small amounts can be harmless, but larger amounts may require intervention if they affect heart function.
8. Pulmonary Artery Pressure
Elevated pressure here could indicate pulmonary hypertension, a condition that can strain the right side of your heart.
It’s often evaluated alongside symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Visual Terms You Might See
- “Hypokinesis” – reduced movement in a part of the heart wall
- “Hyperkinesis” – overly forceful motion, often a compensation for weak areas
- “Dilated” – enlarged heart chambers
- “Thickened” – increased wall thickness, sometimes due to high blood pressure or valve disease
Don’t worry if these terms sound intimidating. Your cardiologist will interpret them in the context of your symptoms and overall health.
What If Everything Looks “Normal”?
A normal echo doesn’t mean you’re completely free of heart problems, but it’s a very reassuring sign. Some issues—like coronary artery blockages—might not show on an echo but can still cause symptoms. That’s why your doctor combines echo findings with other tests, like stress tests or blood work, to get a full picture.
When to Follow Up
If your echo shows abnormalities, your doctor may:
- Order additional imaging (e.g., cardiac MRI, CT, or stress testing)
- Recommend lifestyle changes or medications
- Refer you to a cardiologist for further management
- Suggest follow-up echos to monitor changes over time
Summing Up
Getting your echocardiogram results can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at unfamiliar terms and numbers. But understanding the basics of what your echo looks at—and what those results mean—can empower you to take better control of your heart health.
If you’ve recently had an echo or are concerned about symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, the team at Family Diagnostic Clinic is here to help. Give us a call at (281) 351-6800 to schedule an appointment or speak with a provider who can walk you through your results.