Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)

When the doctor hears an unusual sound through the stethoscope, the ultrasound shows the heart valves and determines whether the murmur is harmless or linked to an abnormality.

If the heart seems to lack strength or if breathlessness persists with no obvious cause, the examination directly measures the heart's ability to pump blood.

When chest pain occurs, the ultrasound helps check that the heart muscle is contracting normally and guides the diagnosis.

After a heart attack, the examination assesses the areas of the heart that may have been affected and checks that pumping strength remains satisfactory.

When a heart valve leaks or narrows, regular ultrasound scans track its progression and help choose the right time for any intervention.

Long-standing high blood pressure can thicken and tire the heart muscle: the ultrasound checks whether the heart shows any signs of this.

In cases of heart muscle disease, the examination specifies the shape, thickness and function of the heart to guide treatment.

In children and adults alike, ultrasound can detect a heart malformation present from birth, completely painlessly.

Before certain operations, the examination makes sure the heart is fit to withstand the anesthesia and the planned procedure.

If an infection of the heart valves is suspected, particularly in cases of persistent fever, the ultrasound looks for signs of valve involvement.