Echocardiogram
There are several different ways an echocardiogram can be carried out, but most people will have what's known as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This procedure is outlined below.
You won't usually need to do anything to prepare for the test, unless you're having a transoesophageal echocardiogram.
Fora TTE, you'll be asked to remove any clothing covering your upper half before lying down on a bed. You may beoffered a hospital gown to cover yourself during the test.
When you're lying down, several small stickysensors called electrodes will be attached toyour chest. These will be connected to a machine that monitors your heart rhythm during the test.
A lubricating gel will be applied to your chest or directly to the ultrasound probe. You'll be asked to lie on your left side and the probe will be moved across your chest.
The probe is attachedby acable to a nearby machine that will display and record the images produced.
You won't hear the sound waves produced by the probe, but you may hear a swishing noise during the scan. This is normal and is just the sound of the bloodflow through your heart being picked up by the probe.
The whole procedure will usually take between 15 and 60 minutes, and you'll normally be able to go homeshortly afterwards.
There are alsoseveral other types of echocardiogram that can be carried out. These include:
The type of echocardiogram you will have depends on the heart condition being assessed and how detailed the images need to be.
For example, a stress echocardiogram may be recommended if your heart problem is triggered by physical activity, while the more detailed images produced by a TOEmay be more useful in helping plan heart surgery.
Read about echocardiograms, including why they're done, what happens during the test, and what the risks are.
An echocardiogram can help diagnose and monitor certain heart conditions by checking the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analysing how blood flows through them, and assessing the
There are several different ways an echocardiogram can be carried out, but most people will have what's known as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This procedure is outlined below. You won't usua
In some cases, it may be possible for the person carrying out the scan to discuss the results with you soon after it's finished. However, the images from the scan will usually need to be analysed bef
A standard echocardiogram is a simple, painless and safe procedure. There are no side effectsfrom the scan, although the lubricating gel may feel cold and you may experience some minor discomfort when