Short answer: An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the size of the chambers, how strongly the heart pumps, how the valves open and close, and estimates pressures inside the heart. The report usually combines measurements with a written conclusion by the cardiologist or sonographer.
At a glance
| What it is | An ultrasound of the heart; no radiation |
|---|---|
| Ejection fraction | The share of blood pumped out with each beat; about 55 to 70% is usual |
| Chambers | Size and wall thickness of the ventricles and atria |
| Valves | How they open and close; regurgitation and stenosis graded mild to severe |
| Pressures | Estimated, for example in the pulmonary artery |
| Keeping it | Report and key measurements with the date, so the next echo can be compared |
How it is done
Most echos are transthoracic: you lie on your side and a probe with gel moves over your chest for 20–40 minutes. A transoesophageal echo (TOE), with a probe passed down the throat under sedation, gives closer views; a stress echo looks at the heart during exercise or medication.
What the report contains
| On the report | Unit | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction) | % | the share of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat |
| Chamber sizes and wall thickness | mm or mm/m² | how large the chambers are and how thick the muscle is |
| Valve regurgitation (trace, mild, moderate, severe) | grade | backward leak through a valve |
| Valve stenosis | grade or area (cm²) | narrowing of a valve |
| Diastolic function | grade / E/e′ | how well the heart relaxes and fills |
| Estimated pulmonary pressure (PASP) | mmHg | estimated pressure in the lung circulation |
Trace or mild regurgitation of a valve is common in healthy people; the grade and its change over time matter. Measurements depend on the image quality and on the operator, so a small difference between two echos may not be a real change.
Keeping the report in your record
In Anpheros Daily you photograph the report or upload the PDF, and it goes into Documents under the person it belongs to, linked to the appointment it came from, next to the referral and the doctor's letter. On the Plus and Max plans "Read with AI" gives a plain-language summary and explains the terms, with the sentence each explanation came from marked; it stays labelled as AI, separate from what the specialist wrote. In the record the report is stored as an HL7 FHIR document, so you can share it with any doctor for a period you choose. Our guide on sharing your record with a clinic explains how.
What this page does not do
It explains what the investigation is and how its report is usually organised. It does not interpret your report or images, diagnose or recommend treatment. Reading the recording or images is the specialist's job; deciding what the report means for you is your doctor's.
Related pages
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is ejection fraction?
The percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. The report gives the value and the cardiologist's comment on it.
Is mild valve regurgitation dangerous?
On its own the word does not answer that; trace or mild leaks are common. Your cardiologist interprets it with the rest of the report.
How long does an echocardiogram take?
A standard transthoracic echo usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Why keep previous echo reports?
Because doctors compare chamber sizes, ejection fraction and valve grades over time.
Try it in Anpheros Daily
Keep your scan and test reports in one place in Anpheros Daily, ready to show at your next visit.
How it works in the app →
Anpheros builds a medical record that the patient controls and can share with any clinic, on an HL7 FHIR R4 platform, based in the EU. These guides help you understand and organise your health; they do not replace your doctor.
About Anpheros →
AnpherosThe more you log, the clearer your record
Your health history in one place, under your control.
Free · Works in your browser · No card
