Insight into Your Heart’s Health — with Care You Can Trust

At Southwest Virginia Cardiology, we believe understanding your heart is the first step toward protecting it. An echocardiogram, often called an “echo,” is one of the most important tools we use to look closely at how your heart is functioning — safely, comfortably, and without surgery.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a simple, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to create live images of your heart. These detailed images help our cardiologists evaluate how your heart chambers and valves are working, how blood flows through your heart, and whether there are any signs of structural or functional problems.

During the test, a small device called a transducer is gently moved across your chest. It sends sound waves that bounce off your heart and create real-time images on a screen — allowing our specialists to see your heart in motion.

Why You Might Need an Echocardiogram

Your provider may recommend an echocardiogram if you have symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• Fatigue or swelling in your legs or ankles

• Evaluate a heart murmur
• Check for heart valve problems
• Measure heart size and function
• Detect congenital heart conditions
• Monitor existing heart disease or prior treatments

At Southwest Virginia Cardiology, we use echocardiograms to gain valuable insights — helping us diagnose early, treat effectively, and prevent complications before they arise.

Our Commitment to Patient Comfort and Clarity

We understand that medical tests can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our team takes extra care to make your experience calm and reassuring.

At Southwest Virginia Cardiology, every test is explained step by step, and every result is reviewed in plain language — so you always understand what’s happening and why.