An echocardiogram is a noninvasive, painless ultrasound exam that allows radiologists and cardiologists at Dignity Health to see the structure of your heart as it pumps. A 3-D echocardiogram provides three dimensional images of your heart.

Your cardiologist may ask that you undergo a 3-D echocardiogram to see if your heart has any irregularities in its chambers or if there are problems with the valves, which control the blood flow from one chamber to another.

The test may be helpful in making a diagnosis if you have been experiencing signs and symptoms of valve disease, such as:

• Light-headedness
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling in your feet (edema)
• Shortness of breath