The test projects the moving images onto a screen so you and your healthcare provider can see them. An echo may also use Doppler ultrasound, which can show, measure and assess blood flow through your heart’s chambers and valves. The sound waves bounce off heart tissue and create “echoes.”Ĭomputer technology uses those echoes to create images that represent what your heart looks like as it beats. How does transthoracic echocardiography work?Įchocardiography uses ultrasound technology to send high-frequency sound waves through your body. A sonographer (technician trained to use ultrasound technology) performs the test and sends the results to the doctor. Who performs a transthoracic echocardiogram?Ī primary care provider or cardiologist usually orders TTE. TEE may be necessary after TTE if a healthcare provider needs clearer or more detailed images. TEE is invasive because a healthcare provider slides an endoscope down your esophagus. It’s noninvasive (doesn’t insert anything into your body) or minimally invasive (involves a minor injection). There are two main types of echocardiogram: transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

What’s the difference between transthoracic echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram? Changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) results.TTE is useful to screen for, diagnose or follow up on specific medical conditions, including: The test can identify causes of cardiac-related symptoms, such as: Measuring the size and shape of your heart’s chambers.Measuring blood pressure and how quickly blood is flowing through your heart.Determining how well your heart is pumping blood.Screen for and diagnose possible medical conditions.Identify the cause of certain symptoms.Assess heart health before or after diagnosis and treatment.Healthcare providers use TTE in many ways. Why do I need a transthoracic echocardiogram? The test helps healthcare providers see your heart, its four chambers, the four heart valves and nearby blood vessels. It’s the most common type of echocardiogram (echo). A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to create images of your heart.

Into the echo side art