Transthoracic Echocardiography
What is it?
Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses high
frequency ultrasound waves to produce a picture of the
heart. In transthoracic echocardiography, a transducer
that emits sound waves is placed on the chest in the area
of the heart. “Transthoracic” means “through the chest.”
Also called simply echocardiography.
Who needs this procedure?
Transthoracic echocardiography is used to diagnose
abnormalities of the heart, such as thickening of the
heart walls, coronary artery disease, fluid build up,
valve malfunctions, and a condition called regurgitation,
in which blood flows backward through the partially closed
heart valves. It shows the size of the heart, how well it
is pumping, blood flow patterns, and whether there is any
damage to the heart tissue. Transthoracic echocardiography
is used to diagnose or rule out heart disease in people
with chest pain.
How do I prepare for this procedure?
There are no special preparations for transthoracic
echocardiography. It is noninvasive, which means it is not
necessary to penetrate the body through an incision or
injection. You will need to remove any jewelry and
clothing from the waist up for this test.
How is this procedure performed?
Transthoracic echocardiography is performed as you lie
on your back on an examination table, with your chest area
exposed. The radiologist or technician will spread a gel
on your skin. The gel makes it easy for the transducer,
which emits the ultrasound waves, to slide against your
skin. The transducer sends ultrasound waves into the
heart, which bounce back, or “echo,” off certain
structures of the heart. Special echocardiography
equipment translates these sound waves into a moving
picture of the heart. The procedure is painless, and takes
approximately 15 to 30 minutes. If your doctor is
particularly interested in the direction and speed of
blood flow through your heart’s chambers and blood
vessels, he or she may order a Doppler echocardiogram.
This procedure uses a different type of transducer, but is
also painless and noninvasive. If your doctor wants to see
how your heart responds to exercise, he or she may order
an exercise echocardiogram, in which heart function is
measured during exertion.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You should experience no side effects from
transthoracic echocardiography.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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