Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic procedures for heart patients.

It provides a non-invasive and virtually painless means of observing soft tissue anatomy on an outpatient basis.

Echocardiography (Echo)

The echocardiogram uses a probe gently moved across the chest by a specially trained technologist. This probe emits sound waves which are converted into moving images of the heart. These images are displayed on a screen and can be recorded digitally. This test allows our doctor's to learn how the heart functions at rest. It provides valuable information about the structure, size, and how well your heart is pumping.

Stress Echocardiography (Echo)

An exercise echocardiogram (also known as a stress echo) is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with an exercise test. The test allows the doctor to learn how the heart functions when it has to work harder. This test is useful in diagnosing heart problems, such as coronary artery disease (blockages in the coronary arteries).

Instructions

• Echo Stress Test

Transesopageal echocardiography (TEE)

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves that are bounced off the heart, reflected back and converted to images on the screen. A trained cardiologist will pass a flexible tube through the mouth and into the esophagus to obtain more information about your heart. This gives clearer pictures of the values, structures and size of the heart as opposed to an echocardiogram done from outside the chest wall.