Echocardiogram

Your cardiologist may suggest an echo to evaluate the overall functioning of your heart, as well as detect heart disease. Specifically, an echo can help to diagnose and monitor conditions that impact the heart valves (valvular stenosis, valvular insufficiency) or the heart chambers (myocardial disease, pericardial disease and more).

An echo may also be used as part of an ongoing treatment plan. It may be used to track how a disease progresses over time or it may be used after a procedure to ensure its effectiveness.

We offer several different types of echocardiograms, the most common being transthoracic and transesophageal. In most cases, an echo will take less than an hour, but in some cases it may be longer.

A transthoracic echo is the standard type used. You’ll experience the following with this type of echo:

• One of our technologists or a sonographer will place a transducer (part of the ultrasound machine) on your chest.
• The transducer picks up echoes from the sound waves your heart produces each time it moves.
• These echoes are then converted into images on the screen.
• Enhancing agents may be used through an IV line if imaging is unsuccessful or unclear.

If greater detail is needed, a Transesophageal echo may be used. You’ll experience the following with this type of echo:

• One of our team members will use a numbing agent on your throat and additional medications will be used to help you relax during the procedure.
• The transducer will be placed in a flexible tube and guided into your esophagus.
• The transducer picks up echoes from the sound waves your heart produces each time it moves – these echoes are unobstructed and clear.
• These echoes are then converted into highly-detailed images on the screen.

An echo has very minimal risks or side effects, if any at all. With a transthoracic echo there are no risk factors.

With a transesophageal echo, there are a few minor risks, including throat discomfort, or in rare cases, your throat may be scraped. It is also possible for medications used during the procedure to cause unwanted symptoms, but you will be monitored throughout the procedure to prevent this.

For a transthoracic echo, there should be no lingering side effects. Beyond some mild pressure while the transducer is on your chest, there should be no other symptoms.

With a transesophageal echo, you may experience some mild throat discomfort. You may also feel somewhat tired or lethargic after the procedure due to sedative medications, but that will quickly wear off.