Tag echocardiogram

When you’re getting ready for a heart test, especially one like an echocardiogram, it’s natural to have questions. One of the most common concerns we hear at Apex Cardiology is whether or not you are sedated for an echocardiogram. 

Understanding what happens during the procedure is often enough to ease any anxiety and help you feel more confident walking into your appointment. That being said, let’s break it down and give you clear answers about sedation, echocardiograms, and what you can expect during the procedure. 

Are You Sedated for an Echocardiogram? 

For the most part, echocardiograms do not require any sedation. This non-invasive heart imaging test uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the structure of your heart and what is going on inside. For the standard transthoracic echocardiogram (the most commonly performed type), the procedure is completely painless and performed while you’re fully awake. You simply lie back while a technician moves a handheld scanning device, called a transducer, across your chest. 

Following the echocardiogram, there are no restrictions and no recovery time. So if you’re scheduled for a routine echo with a cardiologist, rest assured: you’ll be up and about in no time, with no lingering grogginess or need for a driver. 

What About Specialized Echocardiograms? 

While sedation isn’t necessary for the standard echo, there are a few specialized types where sedation might be used. Even in these cases, the sedation is minimal and very safe. The most common example of a specialized echocardiogram is the transesophageal echocardiogram. 

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

A TEE involves inserting a thin probe into the esophagus to get clearer images of the heart from behind the chest wall. Because this procedure involves placing something down your throat, mild sedation is typically used. The sedation is meant to help keep you comfortable and relaxed. Still, to be clear, it is not full anesthesia. You’ll still be breathing on your own and able to respond, but you likely won’t remember much of the test afterward.

After a TEE, patients are usually monitored for a short period and advised not to drive for the rest of the day. We recommend having someone come with you to the appointment, just in case sedation is used.

Can You Request Sedation Due to Anxiety? 

If you are feeling particularly anxious about your test, make sure to speak to your cardiologist ahead of time. While sedation isn’t typical for a routine echocardiogram, we understand that medical procedures of any kind can feel overwhelming. In rare cases, a doctor may recommend a mild anti-anxiety medication, especially if you have a known history of panic attacks or medical-related anxiety. 

However, this decision is made on a case-by-case basis, and your doctor will carefully balance your comfort with your safety as well as the effectiveness of the test. Most patients find that, with a little explanation and reassurance, sedation isn’t necessary at all. 

What To Expect Without Sedation

Here’s what the typical echocardiogram experience looks like without sedation:

• You’ll lie comfortably on an exam table
• A technician will apply a special gel to your chest
• A handheld transducer is moved over your heart area
• You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath briefly
• The entire procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes

Overall, there’s no pain involved, and you should only feel a slight pressure from the device. You’re also free to go on about your day as soon as it’s over. Your results will then be given to your cardiologist, who will review them and discuss them and any next steps with you at your next appointment.

When in Doubt, Talk to Your Cardiologist

If you have any questions about your procedure, it’s always a good idea to ask them ahead of time! At Apex Cardiology, we always prioritize education and the comfort of our patients. If you’re unsure about which type of echocardiogram you are getting, or whether sedation will be involved, just reach out. 

Some patients might be scheduled for a more advanced echocardiographic study depending on their symptoms or medical history. In these cases, your cardiologist will go over all the details with you. This conversation will include a discussion of whether sedation is necessary for you and how to prepare for the examination. In these cases, our care team will explain everything step-by-step to make sure your experience is smooth and stress-free. 

Ready for Your Echocardiogram? 

Have more questions or need to schedule your test? Call Apex Cardiology today or use our website to book your consultation. We’re here to make sure your heart health is in the best hands every step of the way.

Echocardiograms have long served as a staple in measuring heart health and function. What many patients do not know is that this is not a single test. Instead, several versions exist, each with its own functions. If you are worried about your heart health, you need to know which type of echocardiogram is best for you.

When you visit a heart health center for this exam, you will undergo one of three types of echocardiogram. These include:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram
• Transesophageal echocardiogram
• Exercise stress echocardiogram

Which Type of Echocardiogram Is Best for You?

Heart imaging is a versatile practice that adapts based on the patient’s needs and suspected condition. In addition to different test types, the imaging technique can vary. Imaging modalities include:

Variations in Imaging Techniques

• 2D Ultrasound: The most common approach, involves producing 2D images that can be stacked to render a 3D image of the heart.
• 3D Ultrasound: A more advanced technique that evaluates the heart’s structures, blood-pumping capacity, and sounds.
  Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates the pace and direction of blood flow.
• Color Doppler Ultrasound: Similar to Doppler ultrasound, but uses color variety to highlight different vascular structures.
• Stain Imaging: Demonstrates heart muscle movements, ideal for catching heart disease in early stages.
• Contrast Imaging: Using an injected contrast agent, this can show better detail of the heart.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) relies on noninvasive ultrasound imaging (thus, the “echo” part of the name). It is the most common type and reliably provides imaging for all four of the heart’s chambers, the four valves, and surrounding blood vessel structures. By looking at factors like blood flow, chamber size, and blood pressure, it can check for the origins of concerning heart symptoms.

Who It Is Best for:

Patients with symptoms like:

• Chest pain
• Swelling
• Heart murmurs
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

Screening for conditions like:

• Blood clots
• Heart failure
• Aortic aneurysm or dissection
• Valve disease
• Heart cancer
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

This method also uses ultrasound waves to generate imaging of the heart. However, it takes the pictures from within the body via an endoscopic device. Though slightly more invasive, it is typically well-tolerated. By taking imaging from within the body, it can create more detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures. It may use both Doppler and color Doppler techniques, depending on the information you need gathered.

Who It Is Best for:

Patients with a situation like:

• Inconclusive results on a less invasive exam
• Having a life-threatening issue that requires detailed imaging
• Checking for blood clots before certain medical procedures
• Confirming the results of certain procedures

Screening for conditions like:

• Aortic aneurysm
• Blood clots
• Heart (cardiac) tumor
• Congenital heart disease
• Valve disease
• Pericardial disease
• Heart tissue/valve infections

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

This unique type of echocardiogram involves ultrasound imaging taken before and after exercise. It looks for fluctuations in heart function when your cardiovascular system is placed under stress. It can involve a variety of techniques, depending on what your provider wants to screen for. It may also be used for monitoring known conditions to track improvements or disease progression.

Who It Is Best for:

Patients with a situation like:

• Heart or vascular disease that requires monitoring
• Showing symptoms of certain medical conditions
• Athletes who need physical monitoring
• About to undergo surgery

Screening for conditions like:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart failure
• Valve disease
• High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)

Which Do I Need?

The type of screening or exam you need must match your circumstances. When you meet with a cardiovascular specialist, they will determine screening modality based on your symptoms and medical history. Typically, imaging begins with the least invasive method. However, urgent situations may require immediately using the method best suited for high-quality images to diagnose and treat your condition.

Put Your Heart Health First

Visit your nearest heart health center as soon as possible if you have noticed troubling symptoms.