Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is done to look for heart problems. The test shows how blood moves through the heart chambers and heart valves. Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have chest pain or shortness of breath.

There are different types of echocardiograms. The type you have depends on the information your healthcare provider needs.

• Transthoracic echocardiogram, also called a TTE. This is a standard echocardiogram. It’s also called a heart ultrasound. It’s a noninvasive way to look at blood flow through the heart and heart valves. A TTE creates pictures of the heart from outside the body. Dye, called contrast, may be given by IV. It helps the heart’s structures show up better in the images.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram, also called a TEE. Your provider may do this test if a standard echocardiogram doesn’t provide as many details as needed. It gives a detailed look at the heart and the body’s main artery, the aorta. A TEE creates pictures of the heart from inside the body. It’s often done to examine the aortic valve. This test shouldn’t be done if you have bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract or a tumor or tear in the esophagus.
• Fetal echocardiogram. This type of echocardiogram is done during pregnancy to check the baby’s heart. It’s a noninvasive test that involves moving an ultrasound wand over the pregnant person’s belly. It lets a healthcare provider see the unborn baby’s heart without using surgery or X-rays.
• Stress echocardiogram. A stress echocardiogram is done right before and after you exercise at a medical office. It checks how the heart responds to physical activity or stress. Your healthcare provider may order this test if they think you have coronary artery disease. You may be given medicine to make your heart work harder if you can’t exercise.