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Echocardiogram Explained: What Your Heart Ultrasound Shows
A plain-English guide to your heart ultrasound report
Echo reports are full of abbreviations. Here's what they actually mean.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound that shows the size, shape and movement of your heart. It measures things like ejection fraction, chamber size and how well the valves open and close.
What It Means
An echo uses sound waves to create live images of your heart. The report summarises measurements of the chambers, walls, valves and blood flow.
Why It Matters
It is one of the most common ways to check heart structure and function without any radiation. The same scan can be repeated later to track changes.
What Is Normal
A normal echo usually describes chambers of expected size, walls of normal thickness, valves opening and closing well, and an ejection fraction in the 55–70% range.
When To Pay Attention
Phrases like 'reduced function', 'enlarged', 'thickened wall', 'regurgitation' or 'stenosis' are worth asking your doctor about — especially if they are new compared with previous scans.
Common questions
Is an echocardiogram safe?
Yes. A standard echo uses ultrasound, not radiation, and is considered very safe for most people.
What does 'mild regurgitation' mean on my echo?
It usually means a small amount of blood leaks back through a valve. Mild regurgitation is common and often does not require treatment, but should be reviewed in context.
How often should an echocardiogram be repeated?
It depends on the findings and your condition. Some people repeat it yearly, others every few years. Your doctor will decide the right interval.
Can Klarity Vitals explain my echocardiogram?
Klarity Vitals can summarise key values from an uploaded echo report in plain English to help you prepare for your next appointment. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice.