Types

• Four types of echocardiograms are available: doppler, stress, transesophageal and transthoracic. Used outside the body, transthoracic echocardiograms are similar to typical ultrasounds. Transesophageal echocardiograms require a tube in the esophagus. Doppler and stress echocardiograms measure blood flow and muscle activity if health professionals recognize abnormal activity in a prior echocardiogram.
  
  

Preparation

• Patients receive sedatives prior to transesophageal echocardiograms and should have a friend or family member available to drive them home. The Mayo Clinic also advises that patients not eat three hours before transesophageal and stress echocardiograms. Patients exercise during a stress echocardiogram.
  
  

Considerations

• Further testing may be necessary if an echocardiogram reveals abnormal results. Patients may experience temporary irregular heartbeats after an echocardiogram, according to Medline Plus, and should consult with their doctor with any concerns.