An echocardiogram may be performed for further evaluation of signs and symptoms that may suggest atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, aneurysm, valvular heart disease, cardiac tumor, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, atrial or septal wall defects, or shunts. An echocardiogram may also be simply performed to assess the heart’s overall function and structure. There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend an echocardiogram.