Understanding Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE)
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE), commonly referred to as an “Echo,” is a non-invasive and highly informative test used to evaluate the heart’s health. Utilizing ultrasound technology, this test creates moving images of the heart, allowing doctors to examine its size, shape, and functionality. Specifically, it assesses the movement of the heart chambers and valves, as well as blood flow within the heart.
The Procedure
During a TTE, a sonographer applies a gel to the patient’s chest and uses a small transducer probe to capture images. The gel helps the transducer make better contact with the skin, ensuring clearer images. Throughout the test, the sonographer provides breathing instructions to the patient, which aids in obtaining the best possible images. This process is painless and typically takes about 30 minutes.
Importance of an Echo
An echocardiogram gives your doctor crucial information to help assess heart function. It is the primary diagnostic tool for symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, heart murmurs, palpitations, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Additionally, it is invaluable for monitoring known heart conditions and provides essential information for doctors before heart surgery.
When to Get an Echo
You should consider having an echocardiogram if your doctor suspects a heart condition, if there is a family history of heart disease, or if you are monitoring an existing heart condition. Given that 50% of people over the age of 50 have high blood pressure and a third of the population will experience cardiovascular disease, regular heart assessments are vital for early detection and management.
Age Right’s New Echo Service
At Age Right, we understand the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare. That’s why we have recently partnered with Victorian Echo Cardiography https://www.victorianechocardiography.com.au/ to offer a regular, bulk-billed echocardiogram service. This means there are no out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Our service is available to Age Right patients as well as any individuals with a valid echo request form from any medical clinic.
This collaboration aims to make heart health assessments more accessible to everyone, ensuring that more people can benefit from early detection and timely management of heart conditions. By providing this service, we hope to contribute to better heart health outcomes for our community.
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram is a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of heart conditions. Its non-invasive nature and comprehensive insights make it the go-to test for many heart-related symptoms and conditions. With Age Right’s new bulk-billed echo service, we are committed to making this essential test accessible to all, promoting better heart health and overall well-being.
For more information or to book an appointment, please visit https://www.victorianechocardiography.com.au/ or contact us directly on 9020 4220. Your heart health is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
