Cardiac Echo

What is a Cardiac Echo?

A Cardiac Echo uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create real-time images of your heart. It’s non-invasive, uses no radiation, and comes in two types:

• Transthoracic Echo (TTE): Done on your chest.

• Transoesophageal Echo (TOE): Uses a probe down your throat for clearer views.

It’s quick, safe, and shows your heart in motion. Some examinations are performed with stress, eg. taking pictures while you are running on a treadmill.

What Does It Show?

Cardiac Echo shows your heart’s structure and function at rest or during stress. It detects valve problems, heart muscle weakness, clots, or fluid around the heart. It measures pumping strength and checks for issues like heart failure or infections.

How Does It Help with Treatments?

Cardiac Echo guides your care by:

• Screening: Spots heart issues in patients with symptoms or risks (e.g., high blood pressure), helping decide on lifestyle changes or further tests.

• Planning Procedures: For valve repairs or minimally invasive surgeries, Echo provides live

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What Happens on the Day?

Here’s what to expect:

• Before: Wear comfy clothes. No fasting needed for TTE; you may need to fast 4-6 (we will let you know about that).

• During: For TTE, gel is applied to your chest with a handheld probe (10-20 min). For TEE, you’re sedated, and a probe goes down your throat (20-30 min). Both are painless.

• After: Resume normal activities right away. The results are usually available within 24 hours.