A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is one of the go-to tools doctors use to check how your heart is functioning. It’s safe, painless, and gives a detailed look at your heart’s structure and how well it’s pumping blood. But one common question patients often ask is: how often should I have one?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone, it depends on your health, medical history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Let’s break it down.
If You’ve Never Had Heart Problems (and Feel Fine)
If you’re in generally good health with no known heart issues, you probably don’t need routine TTEs. A heart doctor may suggest one if you have:
- A family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or unexplained fatigue
In these cases, a one-off TTE may be used as a screening tool, to rule out any underlying problems or catch silent conditions early. If everything looks normal and your risk factors remain low, you might not need another for several years, unless your symptoms or risk profile change.
If You Have an Existing Heart Condition
For those already diagnosed with heart issues, such as valve disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure, regular TTEs may be needed to monitor progress and guide treatment. How often? It depends on your condition:
- Mild valve disease – Often checked every 1–2 years
- Moderate valve disease or mild heart failure – Every 6–12 months
- Severe or changing conditions – More frequent monitoring may be needed, sometimes every 3–6 months
TTEs help your doctor keep an eye on how the heart is coping. Is the valve getting worse? Is the pumping strength changing? These scans allow for timely adjustments to medication or other treatment options.
If You’ve Had Heart Surgery or Procedures
If you’ve undergone angioplasty, valve repair, or bypass surgery or received a pacemaker, you’ll likely need a TTE within a few months after the procedure. After that, the frequency depends on how you’re recovering and whether new symptoms arise.
Most patients will have follow-up scans every 6–12 months, especially in the first couple of years post-surgery. Over time, if your condition stabilises, you may only need annual reviews unless something changes.
If You’re in a High-Risk Group
Certain health conditions or life stages may place extra pressure on the heart, even before obvious symptoms appear. In these cases, your doctor might suggest a TTE every few years, even if you feel fine.
Higher-risk groups include:
- People with long-standing high blood pressure
- Those living with diabetes
- Women with a history of pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes
- Individuals with chronic kidney disease
- Patients undergoing cancer treatment with known heart side effects
Here, TTEs are used to monitor changes quietly happening in the heart. These may be subtle at first, but catching them early helps prevent complications down the line.
When Should You Ask for a TTE?
Sometimes, changes in your body can be a signal to check your heart. Talk to your doctor if you experience:
- Shortness of breath, especially with mild activity or lying flat
- Swelling in the ankles or legs
- Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
- Unexplained tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest
These symptoms don’t always mean something is wrong, but they are worth investigating, especially if you’ve never had a TTE before.
Looking After Your Heart with The Heart Doctors Clinic
At The Heart Doctors Clinic, we believe in personalised care based on your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all plan. Whether you need a TTE for the first time or regular scans to manage an existing condition, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Need advice about your heart health?
- Book a consultation to find out if a TTE is right for you.
- Review your risk factors and get a plan that suits your lifestyle and health goals.
- Stay informed and in control of your heart health, because knowing where you stand helps you make confident decisions.
A TTE might be a quick scan, but it can give important insights into your heart’s well-being. If you’re unsure whether it’s time for one, start the conversation with your doctor. Your heart will thank you for it.
