Several tests are available to look for possible heart disease or cardiovascular problems. The choice of which and how many tests to perform depends on your history of heart problems and current symptoms. The tests usually begin with the simplest and may progress to more complicated ones.

The alternatives to TEE can give general information about problems in your heart, but they do not give the in-depth information that TEE provides. The simplest alternative tests include:

EKG or electrocardiogram

Holter monitor

Transthoracic echocardiogram or

Exercise Stress Test

and proceed to those that are more complicated, such as:

CT Scan or MRI

Nuclear Scan Stress Test

At this time, your doctor feels that a TEE or transesophageal echocardiogram is appropriate for you.

If you would like any more information on any of these alternatives, please press the question button now.