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Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)

Echocardiograms are special scans used to explore and diagnose your heart and blood vessel health. Book a private echocardiogram with one of our consultants.

Doctor examining a patient with transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) ultrasound scan
Transthoracic echocardiograms (also known as TTE, echocardiograms or ‘echo’), are a type of ultrasound scan used to look at the heart and surrounding blood vessels.

They work by using a small probe to send out high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off different parts of the body. These waves create echos which are then picked up by the probe and turned into moving images on a monitor for analysis.

This non-invasive procedure is used by our consultants to observe the heart’s structure and function in real time, providing vital insights into how well the heart is working. Any images generated also allow the medical teams to assess the heart’s health, diagnose various conditions, and guide treatment decisions.

A TTE work by using a small probe to send out high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off different parts of the body. These waves create ‘echoes’ which are then picked up by the probe and processed by a computer to create detailed images of the heart, showing the heart valves, heart walls, and the overall structure of the heart.

The images are displayed on a monitor, allowing consultants to see how blood flows through the heart, how the heart muscle contracts, and how well the heart is able to pump blood.

A TTE is recommended for if you’re showing any symptoms of heart disease or have risk factors that could lead to heart problems. TTE are commonly used to diagnose conditions such as:

Patients who experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats may be referred for a TTE to try to discover the underlying cause of their symptoms.

Additionally, patients with existing heart conditions use regular echocardiograms to monitor their heart’s function over time and adjust their treatment accordingly.

The cost of a TTE depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

The cost of a transthoracic echocardiogram depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Echocardiograms are very good at detecting a range of different heart and circulatory conditions, as well as assessing heart health before or after diagnosis and treatment.

TTE can give you a precise heart health overview by checking your heart valves, figuring out how well your heart pumps and measuring blood flow and pressure. It can even measure the size and shape of your heart’s chambers.

The test can identify causes of cardiac-related symptoms, such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Oedema (swelling)
  • Heart murmurs
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

Non-invasive

A TTE is a non-invasive procedure, which means no surgery and no instruments used inside the body. This means it’s regarded as a safer option, with minimal risk.

Real-time results

The test provides real-time images, allowing consultants to observe the heart’s function in real-time and make quick decisive decisions on the spot.

Comprehensive information

The imagery gives detailed information about the heart’s structure, including valves, walls, and blood flow, helping our consultants diagnose a wide range of heart conditions.

Monitor heart health

If you have a chronic heart condition, regular echocardiograms are essential for monitoring your heart's health and adjusting treatment plans.

Assessing heart function

Transthoracic echocardiograms are also great for measuring how well your heart is pumping, which is crucial in managing long term heart care.

Before your transthoracic echocardiogram, there are a few steps to follow:

Preparation

Generally, no special preparation is required for a TTE. You can eat, drink, and take your medication as usual. However, if you’re having a stress echocardiogram, where the heart is made to work harder either through exercise on a stationary bike or with medication, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours beforehand.

Medical history review

Your consultant will review your medical history and discuss any current symptoms or concerns. This will help to tailor the echocardiogram to your specific needs and condition.

Explaining the scan

Your consultant will also talk you through the procedure, making sure you understand what will happen during the test and addressing any questions or concerns you might have.

 

During a TTE, you will be asked to lie on your left side on an examination table. This position helps to bring the heart closer to the chest wall, providing clearer images. A gel is then applied to your chest to give a good contact between the transducer and the skin, which helps the sound waves travel more efficiently.

The technician then moves the transducer across your chest, aiming it at different parts of the heart. As the transducer sends out sound waves, it picks up the echoes that bounce back from the heart structures. These echoes are then converted into a moving image displayed on a monitor, allowing your consultant to observe the heart in action.

The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. If you’re having a stress echocardiogram you will first have a resting echocardiogram, followed by a period of exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill. In some instances, you may be given medication to increase the heart’s workload. After the heart is made to work harder, another echocardiogram is performed to see how the heart responds under stress.

The results of the echocardiogram are usually interpreted by a cardiologist, who will review the images and prepare a report. Your consultant will then discuss the findings of your TTE with you, often in a follow-up appointment. If any abnormalities are detected, then your consultant will recommend further tests or treatments if necessary.

A TTE can help diagnose a wide range of heart conditions, including:

  • Damage after a heart attack
  • Heart failure – when the heart can’t pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure
  • Congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart
  • Heart valve issues – problems affecting the valves that control the flow of blood within the heart
  • Cardiomyopathy – when the heart walls become thickened or enlarged
  • Endocarditis – the lining of the heart  becomes infected, and can damage the heart valves

Preparing for your echocardiogram is straightforward. For a standard TTE, no special preparation is needed, so you can continue with your daily routine, including eating and taking medications.

For a stress echocardiogram, you might be instructed to avoid eating, drinking, or taking certain medications for a few hours before the test. We advise patients to wear comfortable clothing, especially if they will be exercising during the test.

Unless they’re unaware, it’s also important to inform your consultant of any medication you’re taking, as well as any symptoms experienced, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. This information can help the specialists to customise the test to address these specific concerns.

Echocardiograms are generally safe for most people, including infants, children, adults, and the elderly. The test is particularly useful for those who are showing symptoms of heart disease or who are at risk for heart conditions.

While most people can have an echocardiogram, some people with certain medical conditions or those who have had recent chest surgeries should discuss their situation with a consultant to make sure that the procedure is right for them.

There’s usually no recovery time after your echocardiogram, so you can typically resume your normal activities immediately. If you’ve had a stress echocardiogram, you might be monitored for a short period afterwards to ensure there are no adverse reactions to the exercise or medication.

The results of an echocardiogram are typically interpreted by a cardiologist. The consultant will look at the images to evaluate the structure and function of your heart. Key aspects include:

Heart size and shape

The consultant will check to see if the heart is enlarged or if there are any abnormalities with its shape.

Heart valves

The function of the heart valves will be assessed to make them open and close properly, allowing blood to flow in the correct direction.

Heart muscle function

The echocardiogram is very good at showing how well the heart muscle is pumping. Any weakness in the heart muscle may indicate heart failure or cardiomyopathy.

Blood flow

The test shows how blood flows through the heart chambers and valves, helping to detect any abnormalities, such as leaks or blockages.

Abnormalities

The echocardiogram can show congenital heart defects, pericarditis, and other structural issues within the heart.

After reviewing the images, the cardiologist will compile a report detailing the findings. If any issues are identified, your consultant will discuss potential next steps, which may include additional testing, medication adjustments, or other treatments.

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

  • Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
  • The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
  • Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
  • Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
  • Private ensuite rooms as standard
  • A range of delicious healthy meals
  • Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
  • Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about having a TTE, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in December 2024. Next review due December 2026.

  1. Echocardiogram: Transthoracic (TTE), Cleveland Clinic
  2. Echocardiogram, NHS
  3. Basic transthoracic echocardiography, NCBI

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