You may have heard about an echocardiogram, but you’re not sure what it is. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the heart and its structures. There are different echocardiograms based on where they focus in the body. In Upper East Side, NY, echocardiogram specialists have options on types of tests to consider. They aim at making accurate diagnoses regarding your cardiovascular system. Find reliable specialists in echocardiogram in Upper East Side, New York.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common echocardiogram and produces the best images, often revealing problems that can’t be seen in other types of scans. The TTE test takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and you lie on your back while a probe is placed on your chest. The device sends sound waves through your chest and to the heart. The sound waves bounce off the heart and create a picture on a monitor.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a type of echocardiogram that uses a probe placed in the esophagus to produce pictures. It’s less comfortable than a TTE scan and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
You have to lie on your back with your head tilted back while the probe is inserted through your throat to get images of your heart. The gadget sends sound waves through your chest and to the heart. The sound waves bounce off the heart and create a picture on a monitor.
Doppler Echocardiogram
Doppler echocardiogram is a type of echocardiogram that uses sound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the heart. This type of echocardiogram diagnoses and monitors blood clots, heart valves, and other heart problems. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Stress echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram is a type of echocardiogram used to diagnose heart problems in people with chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. The test combines an echocardiogram with exercise or medicine that makes the heart work harder. This test takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Echocardiogram with Contrast
Echocardiogram with contrast is a type of echocardiogram that uses dye injected into the veins or swallowed to help diagnose problems with the valves in the heart, the chambers in the heart, defects in the walls between chambers, and other heart problems. This test takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Preparations for the Tests
No special preparations are needed for a transthoracic echocardiogram. However, you may need to fast for 4 to 8 hours before a transesophageal echocardiogram. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the test. For a Doppler echocardiogram, you may need to fast for 4 hours before the test.
For a stress echocardiogram, you will need to avoid eating and drinking for at least 2 hours before the test. You should not drink caffeine or alcohol before any type of echocardiogram.
How Does the Specialist Decide on the Type of Test?
A specialist, such as a cardiologist, will decide on the type of echocardiogram based on your symptoms and medical history. The specialist may also order other tests, such as a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram (ECG), to help diagnose the problem.
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the heart and its structures. There are different echocardiograms based on where they focus in the body. The most common types are Transthoracic echocardiogram, Transesophageal echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, Stress echocardiogram, and Echocardiogram with Contrast. Finding the right specialist is what matters.