Echocardiogram: Risks

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Risks

An echocardiogram is safe, because the test uses only sound waves to evaluate your heart. These high-frequency sound waves have not been shown to have any harmful effects.

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and Doppler echocardiogram

There are no known risks from a transthoracic or Doppler echocardiogram. During a transthoracic echo, the technician may have to press hard on your chest with the transducer. Tell the technician if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Stress echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram can cause dizziness, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, irregular heartbeats, and heart attack.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) can sometimes cause:

• Nausea.
• Mouth and throat discomfort.
• Minor bleeding.
• Trouble breathing.
• Slow or abnormal heartbeats.

Insertion of the probe may tear or puncture your esophagus. This is rare.

This test is not recommended if you have:

• Had recent radiation treatment to your neck or chest.
• Serious problems with your esophagus, such as a very narrow esophagus, dilated (engorged) veins in the esophagus that could rupture and bleed (esophageal varices), or severe arthritis of your neck.
• Trouble swallowing.
• A bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.

Last updated:	December 24, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen