Our cardiologists
Our specialists at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals are experienced in performing diagnostic tests such as trans-thoracic echocardiograms to get various views of the heart.
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a non-invasive, safe and painless diagnostic test that uses ultrasound (high frequency) waves to record images of the heart and its various structures, including the heart chambers and valves. It shows the beating heart with blood circulating through it.
The images allow your doctor to find any heart abnormalities and assess the pumping function of your heart.
The procedure involves the following steps:
You may need a small amount of an enhancing agent injected through an intravenous (IV) line if your lungs or ribs block the view. The enhancing agent will allow your heart's structures to show up more clearly on a monitor. The agent is usually safe and well-tolerated.
The TTE is more common than the transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), which is an invasive procedure. The differences are explained below.
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) | Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) |
---|---|
More commonly used | Less commonly used |
Non-invasive | Invasive |
Visualisation of the heart structure may be blocked by scarring, excess body tissue, or collapsed lung | Better visualisation of the heart structure |
No preparation needed | Fasting is required 6 hours before the test |
No anaesthetic required | A local anaesthetic will be used to numb your throat |
No sedative required | A sedative will be given to help you relax |
Usually takes less than an hour | Can take up to an hour and a half |
Can resume your normal daily activities immediately after | Need to be kept under observation for a few hours before resuming normal daily activities |
Your doctor will choose the type of echocardiogram you receive depending on the nature of your heart problem.
The images produced by the TTE will allow your doctor to find, evaluate and monitor any functional and structural abnormalities of your heart, such as:
It also allows your doctor to assess if your heart is pumping blood properly and if the valves are working normally.
A TTE can also detect congenital heart disease (heart disease present at birth) and the source of a blood clot after a stroke.
There are no risks involved in a standard transthoracic echocardiogram.
You may feel some discomfort from the transducer being pressed very firmly against your chest. This is necessary to produce the best images of your heart.
At Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, we have built a reputation for quality cardiovascular care and treatment in Singapore and the region.
Our heart specialists leverage their skills and expertise in non-invasive diagnostic tests like TTE to provide patients with effective heart treatments.
Our well-equipped hospital facilities and multidisciplinary medical team ensure that our heart patients get the care and focus they deserve during their procedure.
Our specialists at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals are experienced in performing diagnostic tests such as trans-thoracic echocardiograms to get various views of the heart.
For enquiries, please call
+65 6250 0000 (Orchard) or +65 6898 6898 (Novena)
For appointment bookings, please WhatsApp
+65 8111 7777 (Orchard) or +65 8111 5777 (Novena)