Echocardiography

Echocardiograms take pictures or images of the heart that can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions. Typically, the images are captured before and after exercise to detect irregularities in the movement of the heart muscle. Echocardiography tests offered at Loyola include:

Dobutamine stress echocardiogram
Exercise echocardiogram (stress echo)
Transesophageal echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a test that combines a transthoracic echo with a drug-stimulated stress test. When patients cannot participate in an exercise test for some reason (broken leg, arthritis, etc.), the drug dobutamine is used to simulate the effect exercise has on the heart. Before the test, electrodes are applied to the arms and chest. A blood pressure cuff is attached to one arm and an IV is started in the other arm. Before the dobutamine is administered, an EKG, heart images and blood pressure are taken. The dobutamine is started first at a slow rate, then at faster rates until enough information has been obtained. The EKG, blood pressure and heart images are monitored continuously and a physician is present throughout the exam. Finally, a set of images is taken after the dobutamine intake is complete. These are compared with the original images taken at the beginning of the test. The test usually takes 60 minutes.

Exercise Echocardiogram (Stress Echo)
An exercise echocardiogram is a test that combines a transthoracic echocardiogram with an exercise test. The electrical activity of the heart is recorded before, during and after exercise to detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm. Electrodes are applied to the chest and arms. An EKG, heart images and blood pressure are first taken at rest. The treadmill is started, first at a slow speed, then faster and more elevated until enough information has been obtained. The EKG, blood pressure and heart images are monitored continuously and a physician is present throughout the exam. A final set of images is taken after the exercise has stopped; those are compared with those images taken at rest. The procedure usually takes 60 minutes.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesaphageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a test during which pictures of the heart are recorded using a special imaging tube (probe) that has been placed in the esophagus. Since the esophagus is so close to the heart, the pictures are much clearer than those taken during the standard echocardiogram. Electrodes are applied to the chest so that the heart rhythm can be monitored during this exam. A blood pressure cuff is attached to one arm and an IV is started in the other arm. Vital signs are recorded, and medication is then given through the IV to help the patient relax. The throat is sprayed with a numbing medication and the probe is placed in the esophagus. Sound waves are sent into the heart, reflected back and converted by a computer into pictures on a screen. These images show the chambers, muscle and valves of the heart, as well as the direction and speed of the blood flow. All are recorded on videotape and analyzed by a cardiologist (heart specialist). The procedure usually takes 90 minutes. A report is generated immediately and sent to the referring physician.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram
A transthoracic echocardiogram (echo) is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to examine the chambers, muscle and valves of the heart. Before the test is started, three electrodes are placed on the chest. Some lubricating gel is applied to the left of the breastbone and a transducer (a small piece of equipment that looks like a microphone) is placed on that area. Sound waves are bounced off the heart through the transducer and a computer changes the waves into pictures on a screen. A color flow, or Doppler, echo may also be performed using the same equipment. In this part of the test, a portion of waves, color pictures and audio signals will show the direction and speed of blood flow through the chambers and valves of the heart. This information is recorded on videotape and analyzed by a cardiologist. A report is generated and sent to the referring doctor. The procedure usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.

If you would like to make an appointment or need assistance to find an appropriate physician, please call us at (888) LUHS-888.