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HEART TESTS
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
An echocardiogram, or “echo,” is an ultrasound of your heart. It shows how well your heart pumps, how your valves open and close, and whether the heart muscle is thickened or enlarged. It’s painless, uses no radiation, and is done in our Cliffside Park office.
Why your doctor might order one
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A heart murmur
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Shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, or tiredness
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Checking on heart failure, valve disease or high blood pressure
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After a heart attack, or to check the heart before certain treatments
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An irregular heartbeat such as AFib
What to expect
You lie on an exam table while a trained sonographer moves a small probe with gel over your chest. You may be asked to turn on your side or hold your breath for a few seconds. The test takes about 30–45 minutes.
How to prepare
No special preparation is needed for a standard echo. Eat, drink and take your usual medications. Wear a top that’s easy to change out of.
Read by a specialist
Dr. Fridman is board-certified in echocardiography by the National Board of Echocardiography, so your images are read by a cardiologist with advanced training in heart ultrasound.
Getting your results
We review your results with you, in person or by telehealth, and explain what they mean in plain language.
Common questions
Does it hurt?
No. You’ll feel light pressure from the probe and cool gel on your skin.
Is it the same as a stress echo?
No. A standard echo is done at rest. A stress echo adds images right after exercise. See Stress testing.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most plans cover an echo when it’s medically needed. Our team checks your coverage before the test.
Related: Stress testing · Atrial fibrillation (AFib) · Chest pain
Medically reviewed by David Fridman, MD · September 29, 2026