What are the types of Heart Ultrasound?

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What types of echocardiograms are there?

The most common type of echo performed is the transthoracic echo, which is performed by placing the probe on the outside of the chest wall with a gel-like substance to transmit sound waves into the body. There are also several other types:

- The Doppler echocardiograms evaluate blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. This procedure measures the speed and direction of the blood flow within the heart. It screens the four valves for leaks.. With Doppler echocardiograms, as the wand moves over your heart you will hear a "whooshing" sound much like that of a washing machine. This is the sound of blood moving within your heart.
- The stress echo or stress test combines the echo exam with a treadmill to walk on or or bike to pedal, or medication that shows th effect of exercise on the heart. Stres tests are used to diagnose the narrowing of the coronary arteries.
-The contrast echocardiogram combines an echocardiogram with an IV that contains a solution which allows the sonographer or physician to see the inside of the heart more clearly. This solution is injected into your vein through an IV. Your doctor will discuss with you whether contrast is needed, and what, if any, possible side effects the contrast solution could have. Thousands of patients have successfully experienced a contrast echocardiogram, however,  in rare cases side effects can occur in certain individuals.
- Transesophageal echo is a form of echo where a miniature ultrasound camera is passed down the throat to looat the back of the heart. This allows the physician to obtain very high quality moving images. You can be sedated during the procedure if you wish. Transesophageal echocardiograms are typically performed to evaluate serious heart conditions.
- 3D Heart Ultrasound - provides your doctor with moving images of your heart and takes excellent pictures that will help your doctor evaluate your heart health. A specially trained technician, (Cardiac Sonographer), uses a gel to slide a microphone-like device called a transducer over the chest area. This allows reflected sound waves to provide a live 3D picture of your heart and valves. 3D Heart Ultrasound uses the same technology that allows doctors to see an unborn baby inside a pregnant mother. No radiation is involved in heart ultrasound, and the technology can be used on people of all ages.

Last Update 11/10//2007