Echocardiography (Echo Test)

Echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound that evaluates the structure and function of the heart. It provides real-time images of heart chambers, valves, and blood flow.

It is commonly used to:

• Diagnose heart valve disorders, heart failure, or congenital heart disease.
• Detect blood clots, fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), or infection of heart valves (endocarditis).
• Assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatments or surgeries.

• No dietary restrictions are needed for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram.
• If a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is planned, fasting for at least 6 hours is required.
• Tell your provider about implants, swallowing difficulties, or any heart/respiratory conditions.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to the chest area.

For a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), you will lie on your left side while gel is applied to the chest. A transducer is placed on different positions over the chest wall to capture moving images of the heart. The test takes about 30–60 minutes.

In some cases, Doppler imaging is added to measure blood flow, or contrast agents may be injected for clearer visualization.

For TEE, a flexible probe is inserted through the throat into the esophagus (after sedation and numbing), providing more detailed images, especially of the back structures of the heart.

• TTE: extremely safe; mild chest pressure from the probe may occur.
• TEE: carries additional small risks such as sore throat, esophageal injury, or reaction to sedation.
• Contrast echocardiography: very rare allergic reactions to contrast material.

A cardiologist reviews the recordings, measuring parameters like ejection fraction, wall motion, and valve performance. Results are typically available within 1–2 days. Your doctor will explain whether findings indicate normal heart function, structural disease, or the need for further testing (e.g., stress echo, cardiac MRI) or intervention.