Echocardiogram
Get 3D images of your beating heart during an echocardiogram, or echo test, at Montage Health. This exam uses gentle sound waves to show the heart’s movement, valves, and blood flow in detail.
Types of echocardiography
You may benefit from:
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) – Sends sound waves through your rib cage to your heart
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) – Sends sound waves across your esophagus (food pipe) to your heart
- Stress test with echocardiography – Shows your heart as you exercise
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Most echocardiograms are transthoracic, which means “across your chest.” A doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of a heart condition.
What to expect from TTE
For a transthoracic echocardiogram, you’ll lie on your back on a table. A technologist will apply a clear gel to the skin on your chest and then glide a small, handheld device over it. The wand sends out sound waves to make an image of your heart. You may need to lie on your side for a short time to get pictures from several angles.
After the test
You can return to your daily activities right after the test.
Accredited care
Expect top-quality care during your echocardiogram. Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is accredited in adult transthoracic echocardiography by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. This recognition means you benefit from:
- Advanced technology and tools that ensure accurate results
- Highly trained technologists who perform your test and expert doctors who oversee it
- Setting that supports your safety, comfort, and privacy
Transesophageal echocardiogram
Transesophageal means “across your esophagus.” This type of echocardiogram looks at the back side of your heart. Your doctor may order it if a transthoracic echocardiogram can’t get clear images because your chest has thick muscle or fat, or if you have a lung condition, like emphysema.
What to expect from TEE
Before a transesophageal echocardiogram, a health professional will spray anesthetic on your throat to numb it and prevent pain. You may also receive a sedative (medicine to relax you).
Then, you’ll swallow a grape-sized device that transmits sound waves. It’s attached to the end of a long, flexible tube that a technologist can gently move to get pictures of your heart from different angles.
Recovery
To stay as safe and comfortable as possible, follow the instructions you receive for recovering after transthoracic echocardiography. You may need to:
- Avoid driving for at least 12 hours if you received sedation
- Wait two hours before eating or drinking anything
- Avoid hot foods or beverages for 24 hours
- Use lozenges (cough drops) to soothe your throat if it hurts
TEE during heart surgery
If you have a procedure to repair or replace your mitral valve, your surgeon may use TEE to guide treatment or see how well surgery worked. Learn more about cardiac surgery and heart valve care.
