There are several types of echocardiograms and your doctor will help determine which is best for you. Transthoracic echocardiogram: This is the standard echocardiogram. It is a painless test similar to X-ray, but without the radiation. The procedure uses the same technology used to evaluate a baby's health before birth.
http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1171817/what-are-the-types-of-echocardiograms
Transthoracic echocardiogram. This is a standard, noninvasive echocardiogram. A technician (sonographer) spreads gel on your chest and then presses a device known as a transducer firmly against your skin, aiming an ultrasound beam through your chest to your heart. The transducer records the sound wave echoes from your heart.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/basics/why-its-done/prc-20013918
For a stress echocardiogram, ultrasound images of your heart are taken before and immediately after walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. If you're unable to exercise, you may get an injection of a medication to make your heart pump as hard as if you were exercising.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/basics/why-its-done/prc-20013918
Using Doppler technology, the echocardiogram can assess the speed and direction of blood flow, helping increase the amount and quality of information available from the test. The computer can add color to help the doctor appreciate that information.
http://www.medicinenet.com/echocardiogram/page2.htm
Your doctor or cardiologist can take a close look at your heart using an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a common ultrasound test that examines your heart and shows its movements. The procedure is helpful in identifying any abnormalities in your heart and heart valves. During the test, sound waves are used to produce images of your heart. An echocardiogram examines: Heart size: The chambers or the muscular walls of your heart may be enlarged due to damaged heart valves, high blood pressure, or other diseases. Heart valves: The test shows whether your valves are shaped normally, whether they open and close correctly, and whether they are leaky.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/echocardiogram/guide/
1 Because the esophagus is located close to the heart, clear images of the heart structures can be obtained without the interference of the lungs and chest.  Stress echocardiogram: This is an echocardiogram that is performed while the person exercises on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. This test can be used to visualize the motion of the heart's walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed. It may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests. The echocardiogram is performed just prior and just after the exercise.
http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1171817/what-are-the-types-of-echocardiograms
Transthoracic (tranz-thor-AS-ik) echo is the most common type of echocardiogram test. It's painless and noninvasive. Noninvasive means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body. This type of echo involves placing a device called a transducer on your chest.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/echo/types
Types of Echocardiography. There are several types of echocardiography (echo)—all use sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. This is the same technology that allows doctors to see an unborn baby inside a pregnant woman. Unlike x rays and some other tests, echo doesn't involve radiation.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/echo/types
Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram if he or she suspects problems with the valves or chambers of your heart or if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/basics/why-its-done/prc-20013918
What To Expect During Echocardiography. Echocardiography (echo) is painless; the test usually takes less than an hour to do. For some types of echo, your doctor will need to inject saline or a special dye into one of your veins. The substance makes your heart show up more clearly on the echo pictures. The dye used for echo is different from the dye used during angiography (a test used to examine the body's blood vessels). For most types of echo, you will remove your clothing from the waist up. Women will be given a gown to wear during the test. You'll lie on your back or left side on an exam table or stretcher.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/echo/during
what type of test is an echocardiogram
Ultrasound test is a type of an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is an Ultrasound test.