Echocardiogram

An Echocardiogram creates pictures of your heart as it beats. During echo, the doctor or technician uses a transducer or a probe to send sound waves into the heart. Sound waves create images that show heart chamber size, and how well your heart valves work. There are two types of Echocardiograms. The Transthoracic Echo (TTE) requires the doctor or technician to place the transducer on the outside of the heart. The Transesophageal Echo (TEE) requires the doctor or technician to insert a tube with the transducer down the throat and into the esophagus. An Echo may be needed to: scan the heart and blood vessels around the heart for any problems, check on a known condition, find the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath, leg swelling, or irregular heartbeats, monitor the heart after a heart attack or surgery, or evaluate the effectiveness of heart medications.
The doctor or technician will put electrodes on your chest to monitor your heartbeat. For the TTE, You will lie on your back or left side. The doctor or technician will put some gel on your chest, and press the transducer against your chest and move it around. You may be asked to hold your breath or change positions during the test. Images of your heart will appear on a monitor. For the TEE, an IV will be put in your arm or hand. The doctor will give you medicine through the IV to relax you. Your throat will be numbed by a mouth spray or gargle. A thin tube with a transducer at its bottom will descend into the throat, and be pressed against the esophagus wall to generate images of your heart.
Preparation
For a TTE, there is no preparation needed. For a TEE, refrain from eating or drinking at least eight hours before the appointment.