Echocardiogram. This test (often called an "echo") shows a graphic outline of the heart's movement. During an echo, a wand is placed on the surface of your chest. This wand sends ultrasound waves that provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers so the pumping action of the heart can be studied. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart's valves.