FAQ

ASE is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™️. ASE is the largest global membership organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. Since 1975, the Society has been committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. ASE membership is open to all with an interest in echocardiography. Join the most important voice in cardiovascular ultrasound!

Echocardiography is a heart ultrasound also known as an echo. It is a non-invasive, radiation-free, medical imaging test that uses ultrasound to create detailed pictures of the heart. It provides information about the heart's structure, function, and blood flow which can help diagnose and monitor heart conditions. During an echocardiogram, a technician will place a small probe (transducer) on your chest that emits high-frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off the heart and are picked up by the transducer. The information is then processed by a computer to create images of the heart.
Echocardiography is used to:

• Diagnose heart conditions, such as heart murmurs, heart valve disease, and heart failure
• Monitor the effectiveness of heart treatments
• Assess the severity of heart damage after a heart attack
• Evaluate the overall health of the heart

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, echocardiography uses sound waves (ultrasound), which does not involve ionizing radiation. This makes it a safe option for patients of all ages, including pregnant women and children.

Private offices, clinics and departments within hospitals that are accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) voluntarily submit to a review of their daily operations. This is a demonstration of a commitment to quality care. Click here to find an accredited lab in your area.

A cardiac sonographer is a healthcare professional who uses ultrasound technology to create images of the heart, helping doctors diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Cardiac sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to capture moving 2D or 3D images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood vessels. These images, called echocardiograms, are used by physicians to assess heart health, diagnose conditions like heart disease or congenital defects, and monitor treatment effectiveness.