ECHOCARDIOGRAMS

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound waves to assess the four chambers of the heart, valves and its muscle function. There are four different types of echocardiograms depending on what your physician is looking for. Echocardiograms, usually called "echos" by medical staff, use ultrasound technology by emitting sound waves, which create a picture when they bounce off different parts of your heart. These tests are performed by a specially trained ultrasound technician.

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): This test is done for a few reasons, such as, to measure the size and shape of the heart, check your heart's ability to pump blood and check the thickness of the heart wall. It's the most common type of echocardiogram and is non-invasive. The transducer, like a wand, is moved around your chest and takes approximately 30 - 60 minutes.
• Stress echocardiogram: This test tells your doctor if you have decreased blood flow to your heart, which is usually a sign of coronary artery disease. The "stress" part means that your heart will be monitored both before and after a brief period of strenuous exercise, to see how your heart performs.
• Doppler echocardiogram: A Doppler echo uses reflected sound waves to evaluate blood flow through a blood vessel. Doctors use a Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow in the arms, legs and neck.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): A TEE is an invasive imaging procedure that shows pictures of the heart's movement. It's invasive because the transducer, as opposed to being outside the body, is inserted in the throat to get close to the heart. For this reason, this procedure is done at the hospital while the patient is under conscious sedation. A TEE provides very clear images, so the physician can see the heart's chambers and valves.