Stroke Prevention
The Silent Warning Signs of Stroke — and How a 45-Minute Scan Can Detect Them
Most people have heard of an echocardiogram but have never had one — and have little idea what the test actually reveals. Here's everything you need to know in plain language, without the medical jargon.
An echocardiogram — often called an "echo" — is an ultrasound of the heart. Just like the ultrasounds used during pregnancy to image a baby, an echo uses sound waves to create real-time moving images of your heart. There is no radiation, no needles, and no discomfort involved. The entire test takes about 45 minutes.
What makes an echocardiogram uniquely valuable is that it shows your heart in motion. You can see the chambers filling and emptying, the valves opening and closing, and the blood flowing through. No other non-invasive test provides this level of detail about heart function.
When a cardiologist reviews your echocardiogram, they are looking at four primary areas.
First, ejection fraction — this is the most important number in your report. It measures what percentage of blood your heart pumps out with each beat. A healthy ejection fraction is between 55–70%. Below 40% indicates significant heart failure. Between 40–55% is mildly reduced and warrants monitoring. Many people with reduced ejection fraction feel completely fine until the damage is advanced.
Second, valve function — your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. The echo shows whether they are opening fully (stenosis means they're narrowed), closing completely (regurgitation means they're leaking), and whether their structure looks normal.
Third, chamber size — enlarged heart chambers are a sign of chronic stress on the heart, often from long-term high blood pressure. The echo measures all four chambers and compares them to normal reference ranges.
Fourth, wall motion — each segment of the heart muscle should contract and relax in a coordinated way. Areas of abnormal motion can indicate past heart attacks or reduced blood supply to part of the heart.
You may benefit from an echocardiogram if you have unexplained shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat. Fatigue that seems disproportionate to your activity level. A family history of heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or sudden cardiac death. Known high blood pressure that has been present for years. A heart murmur that has been mentioned by a doctor but never fully evaluated. Palpitations or irregular heartbeat. Or simply if you are over 50 and have never had your heart formally evaluated.
You do not need symptoms to benefit from an echocardiogram. Many of the most significant findings — reduced ejection fraction, moderate valve disease, enlarged chambers — are asymptomatic until they become advanced.
At BlackPoint Diagnostics, your images are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist who prepares a written report explaining every finding in plain language. You will know your ejection fraction, whether your valves are functioning normally, whether your chamber sizes are normal, and whether any areas of concern were identified. The report is delivered directly to you within 24–48 hours and can be shared with your primary care physician or any specialist.
No referral needed. Results from a board-certified cardiologist in 24–48 hours.
Book Your EchocardiogramBook your screening or reach out with any questions about your cardiovascular health.
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