Echocardiography is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It helps doctors assess the heart's structure and function, including the size of the chambers, the condition of the valves, and the flow of blood. This non-invasive test is commonly used to diagnose various heart conditions. During an echocardiogram, a small device called a transducer is placed on the chest. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the heart and return to create images. This procedure is painless and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.