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Palos Cardiovascular & Vein Center

Echocardiogram, a picture of your heart at work.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows how well the heart muscle pumps and how the valves open and close.

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Heart care

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

A technician moves a small handheld device over your chest with some gel. It uses sound waves, not radiation, to make moving pictures of your heart.

Why a doctor orders an echocardiogram

  • Shortness of breath
  • A heart murmur
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Chest discomfort
  • Checking the heart after a heart attack
  • Following a valve or heart muscle problem

New or severe chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting? Call 911. Do not drive yourself.

What to expect

  1. Get ready

    You change from the waist up and lie on your left side. No fasting is needed for a standard echocardiogram.

  2. The scan

    Gel and a handheld device are moved across your chest. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly.

  3. Your result

    A cardiologist reviews the pictures and explains what they show.

Your doctors

Wail Asfour, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Wail Asfour, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Cardiology · Heart and vein care

Mohamed Zghouzi, MD

Mohamed Zghouzi, MD

Interventional Cardiology · Heart care

Cost and insurance

Call with your insurance card so we can check your specific plan before your visit.

  • Medicare
  • Illinois Medicaid
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Aetna
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Humana

Not sure about your plan? Call (708) 529-7109 and we will check.

Common questions

Does an echocardiogram hurt?
No. You may feel light pressure from the handheld device.
Is there any radiation?
No. An echocardiogram uses sound waves.
Do I need to fast?
Not for a standard echocardiogram. We will tell you if your test needs different preparation.
When do I get my results?
A cardiologist reads the pictures and reviews the findings with you. Ask at your visit when to expect them.

Related care

EKG (electrocardiogram)An EKG is a quick, painless recording of the electrical signals that make your heart beat. Stress testA stress test shows how your heart works when it has to pump harder, which can reveal problems that do not show at rest. Vascular ultrasoundA vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to show blood moving through your arteries and veins. Cardiologist in Palos HillsHeart checkups, testing and ongoing care with our cardiologists in Palos Hills. Booking ahead is best. For a same-day visit, call first. Heart and vein careEverything we offer at Palos Cardiovascular & Vein Center.

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) in Palos Hills.

Book nowCall (708) 529-7109Get directions

Palos Cardiovascular & Vein Center · 10378 S. Harlem Ave, Palos Hills, IL 60465