Echocardiography
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate the heart's structures and function. During the procedure, a device called a transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through the chest toward the heart.
The sound waves bounce, or echo, off the heart's structures and are sent to a computer. The computer uses this information to create moving images of the heart walls, chambers and valves.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
A transthoracic echocardiogram is a standard, noninvasive test. A specially trained technician, called a sonographer, applies gel to your chest and places a transducer firmly against your skin. The transducer sends ultrasound waves through your chest toward your heart and records the echoes produced by the heart's structures.
A computer converts the echoes into moving images that appear on a monitor. When the lungs or ribs make it difficult to obtain clear images, a small amount of contrast material may be injected through an intravenous line to improve image quality.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A physician may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram, also called a TEE, when a standard transthoracic echocardiogram does not provide a clear view of the aorta or other parts of the heart.
During the test, a small transducer attached to the end of a flexible tube is guided through the mouth and into the esophagus, the passage that connects the mouth to the stomach. Because the esophagus is close to the heart, this test can provide more detailed images of the heart's structures.
Doppler Echocardiogram
A Doppler echocardiogram evaluates the movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels. When sound waves bounce off moving blood cells, the waves change in frequency. These changes, called Doppler signals, allow physicians to measure the speed and direction of blood flow.
Doppler imaging is commonly used during transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms. It can help identify blood flow problems and measure pressure within the heart's arteries. Color Doppler imaging may also be used to display the direction and speed of blood flow in different colors, making certain problems easier to identify.
Stress Echocardiogram
Some heart problems, particularly those involving the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, may only become apparent when the heart is working harder.
During a stress echocardiogram, ultrasound images of the heart are taken before and immediately after exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Patients who are unable to exercise may receive medication that causes the heart to work as though they were exercising.
Three-Dimensional Echocardiogram
A three-dimensional echocardiogram, also called a 3D echocardiogram, creates detailed views of the heart's structures with greater depth than a two-dimensional echocardiogram.
The real-time images allow physicians to evaluate the heart while it is beating, assess its function and examine its anatomy. The test may also help physicians develop an appropriate treatment plan for a person with heart disease.
