FEATURES: 1. A step-by-step practical guide to the performance of the comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography examination, based on expert protocols. 2. Practical summaries on patient positioning, transducer maneuvers, optimal image aquisition, Doppler exam protocols, image orientation and displays. 3. Innovative summary flow charts on "How to Assess" the cardiac chambers, ventricular function, the intracardiac valves, and valvular heart disease. This booklet is the eighth in the series of introductory foundation guides in echocardio graphy. The aim is to foster optimal image acquisition and interpretation in transthoracic echocardiography ... in the era of the "democratization" of the technology. It is a useful reference for cardiac sonographers, allied health professionals, medical students, medical residents, fellows, and specialists. Indeed, it is for all who wish to move beyond the traditional stethoscope, and "see rather than just hear."