This examination provides information on the functioning of the heart muscle and the heart valves.
There are 2 types of echocardiogram tests:
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
In a transthoracic echocardiogram test, ultrasound waves are used to create images of the heart muscle and the blood flow in the heart. The images give an impression of the size of the ventricles, the thickness and pumping function of the heart muscle, any previous infarctions and the functioning of the heart valves. The doctor can also use echocardiography to detect leaking and constricted heart valves.
An ultrasound probe is placed on your chest to take images of the heart during the test. An echocardiogram test is painless and lasts for 15 minutes. The echocardiogram test may not provide sufficient information, in which case you will have a transoesophageal echocardiogram test.
Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
In a transoesophageal echocardiogram test, a special probe is inserted via the oesophagus. The allows a closer look at the heart, which gives the doctor a better view because the lung tissue does not interfere with the image.
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