There are several types of echocardiograms. While they serve the same basic purpose, different kinds of echos employ various imaging techniques to answer questions about the heart.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

Transthoracic echocardiograms are the most common type. During this process, a technician will use a wand, known as an ultrasound transducer, to send sound waves through your chest to the heart. These waves will echo back and a computer converts the collected data into an image. You may need to move around or hold your breath at times, but this is a painless procedure.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

If you need an image clearer than what a standard echo provides, a transesophageal echocardiogram will give you an unobstructed look at the heart. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a technician guides the transducer down your esophagus to get closer to your heart.

Stress Echocardiograms

Your doctor may want to perform a stress echo to examine heart problems that only arise during physical activity. Stress echocardiograms take images of your heart while you exercise, allowing a look at how your heart functions under pressure.