The types of Echocardiograms

Abstract

An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves that are sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of the heart. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video screen. The different types of echocardiograms are: 1. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This is the most common type. Views of the heart are obtained by moving the transducer to different locations on the chest/abdominal wall. 2. Stress echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is done both before and after the heart is stressed either by exercise or by injecting medicine that makes the heart beat harder and faster. A stress echocardiogram is usually done to find out if there might be decreased blood flow to the heart (coronary artery disease). 3. Doppler echocardiogram, is used to look at how blood flows through the heart chambers, heart valves, and blood vessels. The movement of the blood reflects sound waves to a transducer. The ultrasound computer then measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through the heart and blood vessels. 4. Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).The probe is passed down the oesophagus. TEE shows clearer pictures of the heart, because the probe is located closer to the heart and because the lungs and bones of the chest wall do not block the sound waves produced by the probe. A sedative and an anaesthetics applied to the throat are used to make the patient comfortable during this test. The echocardiogram can help detect: Abnormal heart valves, Abnormal heart rhythms, Congenital heart disease, Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack, Heart murmurs, Inflammation (pericarditis) or fluid in the sac around the heart (pericardial effusion),Infection on or around the heart valves (infectious endocarditis),Pulmonary hypertension, Ability of the heart to pump (for people with heart failure). Source of a blood clot after a stroke or TIA, Abnormal results may indicate: Heart valve disease, Cardiomyopathy, Pericardial effusion, other heart abnormalities. This test is used to evaluate and monitor many different heart conditions.