Echocardiography
Echocardiography (also called echo or echocardiogram) uses high-pitched sound waves to create images of the heart.
Purpose
Echocardiograms are done to:
- Evaluate blood flow through the chambers of your heart.
- To evaluate heart size and heart valve function.
- To identify congenital heart defects.
- Detect blood clots or tumors.
- Detect congestive heart failure.
How to Prepare
Your doctor will tell you in advance how to prepare for the particular type of echocardiogram you will receive.
How It Is Done
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
Electrodes will be attached to three places on your chest to record your heart rate. A transducer will send sound waves into your chest and pick up echoes, which are displayed and recorded as images of your heart. You will also hear a noise, called a Doppler; this is normal. The test will take up to one hour.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
An IV will be placed into a vein in your arm so you will receive a sedative before your procedure. Your vital signs will also be monitored. A bite guard will be place in your mouth to protect your teeth. An endoscope will be placed through the bite guard and guided into your esophagus until the scope reaches the level of your heart. The scope will take ultrasound images of your heart.
Exercise stress echo
Before you begin to exercise, a baseline echo will be taken to compare to your post-exercise echo. Electrodes attached to your chest will record your heart rate and a transducer will send sound waves into your chest and pick up echoes, which are displayed and recorded as images of your heart.
You will then exercise (either walking or cycling) while you are monitored by an EKG machine. Your EKG will be recorded every three minutes, and your exercise speed is increased at each interval. After you exercise, you will receive another echo. A cardiologist will be present for your test.
Dobutamine stress echocardiography
In this test, medication will be used to stress your heart. First, a baseline echo will be done, then an IV line will be placed in your arm and the medicine dobutamine will be injected to increase your heart rate. Images of your heart will be taken until your peak heart rate is reached, at which time the dobutamine injection will be stopped. More images will be taken of your heart after your heart rate returns to normal. A cardiologist will be present for your test.
Results
The technologist is not permitted to discuss the results with you. A detailed report will be sent to your ordering physician who will then discuss the results with you.
