A type of ultrasound, an echocardiography (also known as an echo or echocardiogram), is a diagnostic tool that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. The sound waves are sent through a transducer placed on the surface of the chest and reflect off certain areas of the heart which are then converted into pictures. This test is used to check the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body and measure how much blood is actually pumped in each contraction. This test is also used to evaluate the valve function, find evidence of heart failure, and ensure that the heart is of normal size.