Before a physician can recommend a treatment option for a patient with cardiovascular disease, it is vital that he or she know as much as possible about how the heart muscle and valves are working. Echocardiography refers to a series of tests that use ultrasound images to paint a picture of exactly how the heart is functioning.

The Sanger Clinic's Echo Lab performs the following tests:

Echocardiogram (also referred to as regular echo, surface echo, transthoracic echo, or TTE): An imaging test that uses harmless sound waves to show how well your heart muscle and valves are working. This test is useful in patients with complaints of shortness of breath, chest pain, exercise intolerance, syncope, & palpitations. The test lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.

Dobutamine stress echo (also referred to as DSE): This test is designed for patients who are unable to exercise on a treadmill. Instead, dobutamine is administered intravenously until the patient reaches his or her target heart rate. Blood pressure and EKG are monitored throughout the test. Ultrasound images of the heart are taken at rest, during the medication infusion, and then at peak heart rate. This test lasts approximately an hour.

Stress echocardiogram (also referred to as stress echo, exercise stress echo, or SE): This test is performed to evaluate exercise tolerance and assess for a change in heart function, which can indicate there is a blockage in one of the coronary arteries. The patient will walk on a treadmill until they reach their target heart rate. Blood pressure and EKG are monitored throughout the test. The test lasts approximately an hour.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (also referred to as TEE): This test allows your doctor to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus, or food pipe. Since the esophagus lies just behind the heart, TEE may produce clearer images of the heart than would standard echocardiography taken from outside the chest. Before the test begins an IV will be inserted in an arm vein to administer sedation. During TEE, harmless sound waves produce the images to visualize the heart. These images help identify problems such as infection, disease, or defects in your heart's walls or valves. The aorta is also evaluated for disease by this technique. This test lasts approximately an hour.

The Echo Lab staff consists of ultrasound sonographers, nurses and other technical support staff all highly trained in their field. Many technicians are registered through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers®, which recognizes professional standards. Many staff are also members of the American Society of Echocardiography, and participate in ongoing medical education opportunities.

All Sanger Clinic Echo Labs are accredited through the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories, thus maintaining a long-term commitment to quality and self-assessment.