It’s Topic Tuesday!

Welcome back, everyone! We’re picking up where we left off yesterday to talk about another way doctors can take a look at your heart: transthoracic echocardiography. Specifically, if your doctor wants to take a closer look at how your heart is working, rather than if all the arteries are open like they would using a left heart catheterization as we discussed yesterday, one of the most common tests they may order is a transthoracic echocardiogram, often referred to as a TTE or “echo”. 

As opposed to a left heart cath, a TTE is noninvasive, painless, and used to evaluate many different heart conditions.

What is a transthoracic echocardiogram?

A TTE is an ultrasound of the heart. Just like the ultrasounds used during pregnancy, it uses ultrasonic waves to create moving images of the heart.

During the test, a technician places a small handheld device called a transducer or probe on your chest. The device sends sound waves into the body, which bounce off the heart and return to the probe to create the detailed images you see on the screen. These images allow doctors to see the heart beating in real time.

A TTE is a non-invasive imaging test doctors can use to quickly evaluate the structure and function of the heart. Source: https://australianheart.com/2016/05/10/what-is-a-transthoracic-echocardiogram-tte/

What can an echocardiogram show?

TTE is an extremely useful test that provides a lot of information about the heart, including:

• Heart size and structure

• How well the heart is pumping

• How the heart valves are functioning

• Blood flow through the heart chambers

• Signs of fluid around the heart

TTE can be used to look at the heart from many different angles, allowing doctors to evaluate every part of the heart in real-time and determine if there are any abnormalities. Source: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/tte-transthoracic-echocardiogram/?srsltid=AfmBOorijxIRTScDAPduf7RSlCDU-xmGOcHH1Ly_K0pnYLdzF8gQ_7UJ

What happens during the test?

TTEs are usually done in a clinic or hospital imaging lab, but can be done at the bedside if necessary. You’ll lie on an exam table or bed while the technician places small sensors on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. The technician then moves the transducer across different parts of the chest to capture images of the heart from several angles. The test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most people can return to normal activities immediately afterward. Since TTE is not an invasive procedure, there is no need to fast beforehand or take special precautions afterwards.

Is it safe?

Yes. TTE is considered extremely safe. It doesn’t involve needles, radiation, or medications. For that reason, it’s often repeated over time to track how heart conditions are changing or responding to treatment.

Bottom line

TTE is one of the most useful and widely used tools in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. It gives doctors a clear picture of the structure of the heart and how well it’s functioning, all with a quick, painless ultrasound exam. If your doctor recommends an echo, it’s simply a way to gather more information so they can make the best decisions for your heart health.

That’s all for today! Hope to see you again next time! 

Signing off,

Anirudh Karla