Echocardiogram (Echo) or Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

ProHealth Care's Regional Heart & Vascular Center professionals perform thousands of echocardiograms each year. Our echocardiography laboratory is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) in the area of Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography Testing.

What is an echocardiogram (echo)?

An echo is an ultrasound test that studies how the heart works, analyzing size, shape, and efficiency with the use of sound waves.

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test, which means it is performed without entering the body with any type of needle, catheter, wire, etc. During the test, an instrument called a transducer will be place between the ribs on the left side of the chest. This instrument gathers the information that will help find clues about your heart.

What is a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?

A transesophageal echocardiogram is a test that helps physicians see the backside of the heart by using a small transducer, which is passed through your mouth down the esophagus. This transducer takes images of the backside of your heart. A numbing medication will be administered to help relax your throat.

If You Are Scheduled for an Echo Test:

• Wear a sweat suit or other comfortable clothing. 
• Female patients will be given a gown to wear since all patients will be asked to remove their clothing above the waist.
• During the test, a sonographer will hold the transducer in appropriate places across your chest.
• Electrodes will be attached to your chest to record an EKG at the same time.
• The echocardiogram takes about 60 minutes and is generally painless.