How does transthoracic echocardiography work?
Echocardiography uses ultrasound technology to send high-frequency sound waves through your body. The sound waves bounce off heart tissue and create “echoes.”
Computer technology uses those echoes to create images that represent what your heart looks like as it beats. An echo may also use Doppler ultrasound, which can show, measure and assess blood flow through your heart’s chambers and valves.
The test projects the moving images onto a screen so you and your healthcare provider can see them.
How do you prepare for a transthoracic echocardiogram?
You don’t have to do anything to prepare for TTE. You can eat, drink and take any medications before the test.
What can I expect before TTE?
Sometimes, before TTE, a healthcare provider will inject a contrast dye into your vein. It helps show blood flowing through your heart.
What can I expect during a transthoracic echocardiogram?
TTE takes about an hour. A sonographer or other healthcare provider will:
Have you lie down on an exam table.
Attach small patches called electrodes to different areas on your chest to record your heart rate and rhythm.
Squirt a special gel onto your skin that helps transmit sound.
Press a transducer (ultrasound wand) against your skin and move it around. A transducer looks like a microphone. It sends the sound waves and picks up the echoes.
Ask you to hold still, change positions or breathe in certain ways to obtain different or better pictures.
Are you sedated for a TTE?
TTE is a noninvasive procedure, so your healthcare provider won’t sedate you.
What can I expect after a transthoracic echocardiogram?
Once the technician has all the necessary images, they’ll wipe off the gel and remove the electrodes. You should be able to go home right away and resume your normal activities, including driving yourself home.
What are the risks of a transthoracic echocardiogram?
There aren’t any risks associated with TTE. The test doesn’t use any radiation or electrical currents. Other than a brief pinch from an IV injection of contrast agent, the test shouldn’t cause any pain.