An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that creates moving pictures of the heart to assess its structure and function. It’s noninvasive and uses sound waves to visualize heart chambers, valves, and blood flow. What typically happens
- Preparation: Most people don’t need special preparation. You’ll likely remove clothing from the chest and be asked to lie down. If a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is planned, you may have fasting instructions and local anesthesia or light sedation.
- Setup: A technologist attaches small sticky sensors (electrodes) to the chest to monitor heart rhythm during the test.
- Gel and transducer: A gel is applied to the chest, and a handheld device called a transducer (the ultrasound probe) is moved over the chest. The transducer emits sound waves and picks up echoes to form real-time images of the heart.
- Views and measurements: The probe is rotated and tilted to capture multiple views of heart chambers, valves, and wall motion. Sometimes Doppler ultrasound is used to assess blood flow and valve speeds.
- Duration: A standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), the most common type, usually lasts about 15 to 60 minutes. If a TEE is used, the procedure is longer and involves more preparations and recovery.
- Aftercare: You can typically go home soon after a TTE. For a TEE, you’ll recover from the sedation first and may need someone to drive you home.
Types you might hear about
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): The most common, noninvasive test performed with the probe on the chest.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): The probe is guided down the esophagus to obtain closer, detailed images, usually requiring sedation.
- Stress echocardiogram: Images taken before and after physical exercise or a medicine-induced stress test to see how the heart responds.
- Doppler echocardiography: Assesses the flow of blood through the heart and across valves.
What it shows
- Heart size and shape, wall motion, valve structure and function
- How well the heart fills and pumps (systolic and diastolic function)
- Blood flow patterns and pressures in chambers
- Presence of clots, tumors, or congenital abnormalities (in some cases)
What to expect and tips
- You’ll likely be asked to lie on your left side to optimize chest imaging.
- A gentle pressure from the transducer is normal; you may hear a soft swishing sound during the study due to blood flow.
- If you have a TEE, you’ll be asked to fast beforehand, and a sedative will be used to keep you comfortable during the more invasive part.
- Communicate any discomfort or questions to the technologist or your clinician during the test.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your context (outpatient vs. hospital setting, TTE vs. TEE, or concerns like preparing for a specific type).
