What are the different types of echocardiograms?
The conventional echocardiogram is the transthoracic echocardiogram, performed by placing the probe on the outside of the chest wall with a gel-like substance to transmit sound waves into the body. It includes Doppler evaluation of blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. Doppler technique measures the speed and direction of the blood flow within the heart. It screens the four valves for leaks or other abnormalities. With Doppler echocardiograms, as the transducer moves over your heart you will hear a “whooshing’ sound much like that of a washing machine. This sound relates to the movement of blood within your heart chambers.
