Echocardiogram Echo
This test uses sound waves to study the structure of the heart and how the heart and valves are working. A probe sends out and records these sound waves, producing a moving image of your heart on a computer.
Specialized echo tests:
- A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is used to find out how your heart works when you are exercising. Two scans are done: one when you are resting and one when you are under stress. If you are unable to exercise, you may be given medication (dobutamine) to make your heart react as if you were exercising.
- A trans esophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a special type of echocardiogram where pictures of your heart are taken by inserting a probe into your throat (oesophagus). These pictures are clearer to see than those produced using a probe on your chest (as in a standard echo) because the oesophagus is close to your heart and there is no chest wall in the way.
