An echocardiogram, often shortened to "echo," is simply an ultrasound of the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure, which means no needles, and can be accomplished in 15 to 30 minutes with no major side effects. During the exam you will get to hear the blood flow through the heart valves which is the same thing your physician listens for with her or his stethoscope. Everything is recorded and delivered to a cardiologist (a heart specialist). We are fortunate to have four full time cardiologists in Springfield, Missouri. They read the echocardiograms as they are completed. The information obtained from the echo is an invaluable tool providing such information as the size and thickness of the heart, whether or not there are obvious blockages as seen in coronary artery disease or an old heart attack and the ejection fraction which is an estimate of overall function. Heart valves can be studied with an echocardiogram as well. A restricted opening or leakage can often found when your doctor listens to your heart. Pressures in the various chambers can be measured and abnormal growths such as tumors, thrombus formation or bacterial infections can be accurately assessed. Our equipment is state of the art with the ability to provide all the latest techniques such as color Doppler mapping, tissue Doppler, air contrast and contrast imaging. The lab is accredited and a registered sonographer performs the examinations.