An echo cardiogram is a device whereby you visualise the working of the heart. The instrumenent directs ultrasound waves (which you do not hear or feel) towards the organ that they visualise. These sound waves get reflected from various tissues of the heart and form an electric image on a computer monitor. It is because of the reflection of the sound waves that the word echo is used. From this image they can visualise the action of the heart. Usually the report is given then and there. They move a sensor over your chest. No pain, no preparations, no making of you unconscious, and no harmful effects. When they see the echo, as they visualise the heart they will look closely at the valve from which the murmur is coming and then decide what action will be taken. A murmur is a sound produced due to a change in the shape of the heart valves or due to a rapid or slow flow of blood. Commonly there is a narrowing of the aperture of the valves. Valves are situated between chambers of the heart or between the heart and its openings to the major arteries There are many innocent murmurs that do not require any treatment.