What is an Echocardiogram (TTE)?
An echocardiogram is a scan that shows a detailed view of the structures of your heart to see how well your heart is working.
A probe is used to send out sound waves to the heart, which are reflected by the muscles and tissues in your heart.
An echocardiogram is useful for diagnosing enlarged left or right sides of the heart, problems with the heart valves and to investigate the causes of heart murmurs or heart attacks.
Carrying out an Echocardiogram
This type of test is a painless test that usually takes 30-45 minutes.
You will be asked to remove your clothes from your upper body and lie on your left hand side.
Your physiologist will move the probe around your chest to give different views of your heart. You may hear sounds as Doppler signals are used to assess the flow of blood.
I need a bubble contrast Echocardiogram
A bubble contrast echocardiogram (also known as a ‘Bubble Echo’) is a non-invasive test using ultrasound to look at your heart.
Unlike an echocardiogram, a bubble contrast echocardiogram uses imaging ultrasound to look for abnormal shunting of blood in the heart such as PFO or ASD (‘holes’ in the heart).
Risks factors of Echocardiogram
Rubbing the probe on your chest may be a little uncomfortable. Please tell your physiologist if it is hurting.
