Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (echo) uses sound waves to create images of your heart. It helps your provider see your heart’s muscles, chambers and valves. It also measures your blood flow. This information helps your provider understand your heart health and recommend personalized treatment.

Types of echocardiogram tests

There are a few different types of echocardiogram tests.

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Also called a chest echo, this is the most common type of echocardiogram. It uses an ultrasound wand over the chest. A chest echo provides a baseline understanding of your heart health. It is a simple outpatient exam.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This test can provide more detailed information about your heart. During a TEE, we will use anesthesia to sedate you so you can sleep during the test. The ultrasound scope goes down your throat to reach a spot behind your heart. Your provider may recommend a TEE to prepare you for heart surgery.
• Stress echocardiogram. A stress echo tests how your heart responds to exercise. Your provider may recommend a stress echo if you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease. During the test, you raise your heart rate using a treadmill or medication. The results will tell you if your heart can support activity such as exercise, shoveling snow, etc.

At Baptist Health, you can expect an echocardiogram experience that is:

• High-quality. Our echocardiogram equipment creates detailed images and information that providers rely on to form an accurate treatment plan. High-quality images lead to high-quality care.
• Comfortable. Our experienced team takes steps to ensure your comfort. They listen to you every step of the way. If you feel discomfort during an echo test, they can pause until you feel ready to resume.
• Friendly. Our team can answer all your questions, so you know what to expect during your echocardiogram. Board-certified cardiologists and technologists guide you through the process and prioritize your comfort, safety and positive experience.

Your provider may recommend an echocardiogram to check your heart health. Most often, patients get an echocardiogram after they experience symptoms of heart disease. These symptoms might include:

• An abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) result
• An abnormal sound in the heart (murmur)
• Blue skin on fingers or toes
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath when resting or exercising

If you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease, your provider may also recommend a stress test.

Your technologist will take ultrasound images and blood flow measurements during your echocardiogram. In general, you can expect the following experience for a chest echo or TTE. Plan about two hours for the entire appointment.

An echocardiogram is minimally invasive and has little risk. Some people feel discomfort when the ultrasound wand puts pressure on their chest. In that case, the team can pause until you’re comfortable proceeding. You may feel stiffness while lying on the exam table, but the team will offer you a blanket and pillow for comfort.

On rare occasions, a patient can have mild side effects after the image enhancing contrast agent injection. For about one percent of patients, the medicine can cause flushing, heat, back pain or redness.

Your provider can prescribe an echocardiogram to better inform your care plan. Once your provider gives you a prescription, you can call Baptist Health Imaging to schedule your appointment.

The cost of your echocardiogram will depend on your insurance. After your provider prescribes a scan, our Preregistration and Authorization Department will confirm the price with you.

If your insurance does not cover an echocardiogram, you can choose to self-pay. Our Central Pricing Office will work with you to arrange your payment schedule.