TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAM (TTE)

What is a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)?

• A TTE is a noninvasive ultrasound – using high-frequency sound waves to create moving images
  of your heart through the chest wall.
• There is NO radiation when getting a TTE.
• A TTE gives your doctor a good view of your overall heart health.
  o Evaluates heart size
  o Evaluates the amount of blood being pumped out of your heart
  o Evaluates valve function
  o Evaluates for injury to the heart muscle

What to expect during your Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)?

• There is no special preparation required before your exam.
• This exam may take up to 1 hour to complete.
• You will be attached to electrodes in order to monitor your heart rate and electrical activity during the exam.
• You will be lying down for most of this exam and positioned on your side when possible to obtain optimal imaging.

Unlike other radiology exams – your TTE will be read by a cardiologist as opposed to a radiologist.