Transthoracic Echocardiogram

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common type of echocardiogram (echo). The TTE is a test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to create an image of your heart. This gives us a complete view of your heart, including all four chambers, four heart valves, and nearby blood vessels.

Echocardiography uses ultrasound technology, sending high-frequency sound waves through your body. The sound waves bounce off your heart tissue, creating “echoes.” 

A computer looks at these echoes and turns the information into an image of your beating heart. 

A TTE can also use a Doppler ultrasound, which provides additional information about your heart function. It can display, measure, and assess how blood flows through your heart’s valves and chambers. 

A TTE can provide detailed information about your heart. It is used to look for many different conditions, such as: 

• Blood clots in the heart
• Heart chambers and valves function
• Injured areas of heart muscles
• Fluid buildup around the heart
• Size and shape of your heart
• Problems with the aorta

Preparing for a TTE is easy; you just show up for the test. You can eat, drink, take medications, and go about your day normally before your test. 

Before your TTE starts, an echo-contrast agent may be injected into a vein. This contrast agent will help make the blood flow through your heart visible. Contrast  is only necessary if a Doppler ultrasound is being used. 

The entire process takes about an hour. Generally, a sonographer runs the test. The TTE is a non-invasive procedure, so you will not be sedated during the test. 

• You will lie down on an exam table. Then, small patches called electrodes will be attached to different areas of your chest. They will record your heart rate and rhythm. 
• Next, the sonographer will squirt a special gel on your skin. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves to the computer. 
• After that, they will press a transducer, also known as an ultrasound wand, against your skin and move it around. This device sends sound waves into your body and records the corresponding echoes. 
• Throughout the process, you may be asked to breathe a certain way or change positions so the sonographer can get the best pictures of your heart. 

Once the process is complete and all the necessary images have been collected, the sonographer will wipe the gel off your skin and remove the electrodes. At this stage, the test is complete, and you can go about your day and resume normal activities. There are no limitations after taking this test. 

There are two main types of echocardiogram: transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). 

TTE is the most common type because it is either noninvasive or minimally invasive, depending on how it is performed. 

On the other hand, a TEE is an invasive procedure used to get an image of your heart. During a TEE, a healthcare provider slides an endoscope down your esophagus to look at your heart.  

A TEE is usually only ordered after a TTE is performed if more detailed or precise images of your heart are needed. 

A transthoracic echocardiogram is one of the many cardiac health tests that Dr. Lilian Ahiable of Sydnor Cardiovascular Clinic will run to understand your heart health.

Call 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online and learn how to protect your cardiac health today.