Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Overview
What is a Transthoracic Echocardiogram?
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a procedure that allows your doctor to check for problems with your heart and the blood vessels near your heart. It is a painless test much like an X-ray, but is safer since it does not use radiation. A hand held transducer device is placed on the chest to transmit high frequency sound waves that bounce off your heart. The sound waves produce images and sound that your doctor uses to detect heart damage and disease.
Why
Why Transthoracic Echocardiogram?
The images produced by a TTE are more detailed than an X-ray since it also captures moving images of your heart, letting your cardiologist see how your heart pumps blood and how the valves function. TTE may be recommended for a variety of conditions, such as arterial fibrillation, arterial blockage, damage from a previous heart attack, heart murmurs, pericardial disease, pulmonary hypertension, and coronary artery disease.
What to Expect
What to Expect During Transthoracic Echocardiogram
A TTE takes between 30 to 60 minutes. During a TTE you will lie on your back or left side on a table and small electrodes will be attached to your arms and legs. A small amount of gel will be rubbed on your left side of your chest to allow the transducer to pick up the sound waves. Then the transducer is moved slowly back and forth and the echoes that capture the images of your heart are sent to a video monitor. You may be asked to hold very still, breathe in and out slowly, hold your breath or move to your left side. Once the test is over, you can go home.
Specialists