A transthoracic test takes “moving pictures” of the heart with sound waves to determine if your heart is working properly. Performed on an outpatient basis, a transthoracic test will show the following:
- The size and shape of your heart
- How well your heart is working overall
- If a wall or section of heart muscle is weak and not working correctly
- If you have problems with your heart’s valves
- If you have a blood clot