Transthoracic Echocardiogram

What is a transthoracic echocardiogram?

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to create images of your heart. It’s the most common type of echocardiogram (echo).

The test helps healthcare providers see your heart, its four chambers, the four heart valves and nearby blood vessels.

Why do I need a transthoracic echocardiogram?

Healthcare providers use TTE in many ways. The test can:

• Assess heart health before or after diagnosis and treatment.

• Identify the cause of certain symptoms.

• Screen for and diagnose possible medical conditions.

TTE can evaluate heart health by:

• Checking your heart valves.

• Determining how well your heart is pumping blood.

• Measuring blood pressure and how quickly blood is flowing through your heart.

• Measuring the size and shape of your heart’s chambers.

The test can identify causes of cardiac-related symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain.

• Edema (swelling).

• Heart murmur.

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).

TTE is useful to screen for, diagnose or follow up on specific medical conditions, including:

• Aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection.

• Blood clots.

• Changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) results.

• Congenital heart conditions.

• Heart failure.

• Heart valve disease.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

• Tumors (heart cancer).