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Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE): what to expect

Transthoracic echocardiography, or TTE, uses ultrasound to examine the heart in real time. It is non-invasive, painless and can be performed at the practice when indicated.

What does TTE assess?

It examines chamber dimensions, heart muscle thickness and contraction, ventricular function, valves, the aortic root, the pericardium and certain measures of pressure and blood flow.

Main indications

TTE may be requested for a murmur, breathlessness, selected cases of chest pain, an abnormal ECG, hypertension with suspected effects on the heart, heart failure, valve disease or follow-up of known heart disease.

How is it performed?

You lie with your chest uncovered, usually on your left side. A probe with gel is placed at different points on the chest. The examination usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the clinical question and the quality of the ultrasound views.

Preparation

Fasting is not usually needed for a standard TTE. Bring previous reports and images, if available, for comparison.

Results and limitations

Echocardiography provides anatomical and functional information but does not directly examine all the coronary arteries. Image quality can be limited by body shape, the lungs or technical factors. A transoesophageal echocardiogram, MRI, CT or another test may sometimes be needed.

The report must be interpreted alongside symptoms, examination findings, ECG and other medical information.

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