Echocardiograms are used to diagnose a variety of different heart conditions and diseases. An echocardiogram can also be used to assess your heart’s overall function, as well as the effectiveness of medication or surgical treatments for the heart and the progression of certain heart conditions or diseases. Some of the heart conditions and diseases that an echocardiogram is used to diagnose are as follows: • Blocked or leaky heart valves • Blood clots • Cardiac masses • Chamber enlargement • Congenital heart disease • Damaged cardiac tissue • Infective endocarditis • Myocardial disease • Pericardial disease • Stiffness or weakness within the heart muscle • Tumors • Valve disease