Transthoracic Echo Cardiogram
The standard echo (transthoracic echocardiogram) uses ultrasound to look at the structure and function of the heart.
It takes about 20 minutes and is performed as an outpatient. It is painless and safe. A hand-held ultrasound probe is moved over the front of the chest wall to produce images of the beating heart on a monitor. The size and shape of the various heart chambers can be seen, together with the movement of the heart valves. A vast amount of information can be produced, which helps greatly with the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of heart conditions. The image shows a normal echo.