The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Private echocardiogram (echo) test
An echocardiogram is a specialised scan used to examine the structure and function of the heart and valves. If you have symptoms or concerns, we’re here to help you get peace of mind.
We can offer you rapid access to an echocardiogram within 24 hours at one of our facilities in London, Birmingham, Manchester or Cheshire.
- #1 private cardiac provider in the UK
- Test results sent within 48 hours
- Experts in the field of echocardiography, with more than 62,000 echocardiograms performed over the past 3 years
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to their friends or family
Signs you might need an echocardiogram
You might need an echocardiogram if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain (angina)
- Headaches and migraines
- Heart palpitations (a fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest or neck)
- Light-headedness and fainting
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling in the feet, ankles or belly
- Extreme tiredness
These symptoms could indicate a range of different heart conditions, so you should make an appointment to see a consultant as soon as possible if you experience any of them. They'll be able to recommend an echocardiogram or any other tests you need, then use the results to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan if necessary.
Private echocardiograms from the UK’s leading provider
- #1 for private cardiac care: We care for more people than any other private healthcare provider in the UK. More than 79,000 cardiac patients received our exceptional care in the last three years, and we'll use our vast experience to give you similarly outstanding outcomes.
- Leading specialists: Over 235 expert cardiologists are supported by a diverse team of sonologists, clinical nurses, and other healthcare specialists who work together to deliver seamless care.
- High-quality facilities: Our private hospitals and outpatient centres are equipped with the most up-to-date technology and facilities, ensuring you receive exceptional care in the utmost comfort.
- Trusted by patients: 99% of patients would recommend us to their loved ones, making us the UK's most trusted private cardiac care provider.
- Rapid access: We can confirm an appointment with a cardiologist within 24 hours. You can get an echocardiogram on the same day as your visit, and we'll send you the results within 48 hours.
What is an echocardiogram of the heart?
Also called an echo, an echocardiogram is a scan to see if your heart and valves are working correctly. It’s a painless and non-invasive procedure that involves reflecting ultrasound waves off the muscles and tissues in your heart to create a moving image on a screen. It takes less than an hour.
An echocardiogram could help your consultant understand the size and shape of your heart and its chambers and how well it’s working, including the valves and blood flow. Your consultant might also recommend an echo to check on a heart condition you've already been diagnosed with, prepare you for a procedure or check the outcome of a surgery.
Echocardiogram vs Electrocardiogram
An echocardiogram and electrocardiogram are both common tests that can help a cardiologist understand your heart health.
While an echo produces images of your heart, an electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG) displays the electrical activity in your heart and how it is beating.
Your consultant may recommend you undergo one or both tests, depending on your symptoms or condition. You may also be recommended to wear an ambulatory electrocardiogram (a portable ECG) for a period of time to show how your heart rate changes during your daily activities.
What heart conditions can an echocardiogram help diagnose?
- Aortic aneurysm – when the artery that carries blood from the heart to the circulatory system swells to an abnormal size
- Cardiac tumours – which are growths in the heart muscles or its surrounding structures
- Cardiomyopathy – when the heart walls become abnormally thick or increase in size
- Congenital heart disease – heart abnormalities you're born with
- Coronary artery disease – a stress echo can detect signs of your coronary arteries being restricted
- Endocarditis – a rare bacterial infection of the inner lining of the heart that can affect the valves
- Heart failure – when the heart fails to pump a sufficient amount of blood at the correct pressure
- Heart valve disease – which affects how blood flows through your heart
- Injury to your heart muscles caused by a heart attack
- Pericarditis – which affects the fluid-filled sac that covers the outer surface of the heart
What are the different types of echocardiogram tests?
Different types of echocardiogram help your consultant understand your heart in various ways. These include non-invasive and invasive echocardiograms.
Non-invasive echocardiograms
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): Sometimes also called a heart ultrasound, this is the most non-invasive and common way to scan your heart. A probe is placed on the surface of your chest to produce an image of your heart from outside your body. It works in much the same way as an ultrasound scan during pregnancy.
- Contrast echocardiogram: This is the same as a transthoracic echo, except a small amount of dye or 'contrast' is injected into your bloodstream to help show your heart's structures more clearly during the scan.
- Bubble echocardiogram: Similarly, this type of echo scan involves injecting a small amount of salt water (saline) containing tiny bubbles into your bloodstream. The bubbles help identify any holes in your heart, which don't usually show up clearly on a TTE.
- Stress echocardiogram: It may be necessary to do an echocardiogram while your heart is working harder than usual and is 'under stress'. Your consultant or sonographer may ask you to do some exercise or give you some medicine to facilitate this. This type of echocardiogram is particularly helpful for detecting coronary artery disease as it can show that the arteries in the heart aren't getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
Invasive echocardiograms
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE): This test creates an image from inside your body, providing a clearer picture as the ultrasound waves don't have to pass through skin, muscle or bone. You're given sedatives and your throat is numbed, then a probe about as wide as an index finger goes into your oesophagus via your mouth and throat.
You’re in safe hands with HCA UK
You can count on us to give you access to the highest standards of echocardiography. Our cardiac diagnostic network is the most comprehensive in the UK and we provide more than 20,000 private echocardiograms per year.
Get in touch if you're experiencing symptoms and want a diagnosis. Your appointment can be confirmed within 24 hours and your echo results sent within two working days of your test.
What happens during an echocardiogram procedure?
Your echocardiogram will take place in a hospital or outpatient centre. You'll be asked to remove your clothing from your upper body and given a gown to change into. You'll be given somewhere private to do this, such as behind curtains or in a room.
You'll be asked to lie on your left side during the scan. Your specialist will apply a gel to your chest and place an ultrasound probe on the areas above where your heart is. Sound waves from the probe bounce off the structures of your heart to produce a moving image.
There might be more involved if you need a contrast or bubble test to produce a clearer picture. Your consultant will explain and make sure you're comfortable with everything beforehand.
Echocardiogram FAQs
The ultrasound waves used in echocardiography are harmless and not painful. There are no exposure risks with ultrasound, unlike with X-ray for example. However, there are some risks associated with the less common types of echo.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram: This procedure is completely safe and painless. You might feel some mild discomfort during the scan, as the lubricating gel may feel cold against your skin and the probe needs enough pressure against your chest to create clear and accurate images of your heart. The cardiologist or sonographer will only use as much pressure as needed.
- Contrast echocardiogram: There's a small risk of an allergic reaction to the dye used in contrast echo. Some people experience aches and pains or rashes, but more severe reactions are rare. Reactions typically happen immediately, so your medical team will be present to help you manage any symptoms.
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram: You may experience additional side effects such as soreness, difficulty swallowing, a weak voice or minor bleeding. In rare cases, TEE can lead to injury to the teeth, gums or lips, holes in the oesophagus (oesophageal perforation) or heart rhythm problems.
- Stress echocardiogram: The medicine you receive during a stress echocardiogram could temporarily give you symptoms like nausea, dizziness, a flushing feeling or chest pain. These should go away once your doctor stops giving you the medicine. More serious complications like a fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure or a heart attack are rare. You'll be monitored carefully throughout the procedure to prevent these symptoms from occurring.
Your consultant will discuss any risks with your associated echo so you can make an informed decision before going ahead.
There usually isn't any special preparation needed for a heart echo. Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Make sure they know all the medicines you take, including any you take without a prescription.
Depending on the type of echocardiogram you're having, you might need to stop taking certain medicines and avoid eating a few hours before your test. You might also need to arrange a lift home, as you won't be able to drive after being given sedatives.
It depends on the type of echocardiogram you're having, but typically it can take anywhere between 15 minutes and 1 hour to complete. Your consultant might want to keep an eye on you for at least half an hour following the scan if they gave you medicine to increase your heart rate, but you should be able to go home once they're sure you're alright.
Your consultant will analyse the results of your echocardiogram and then discuss them with you. You'll be able to ask any questions you'd like about the images and what they mean.
It can take up to 48 hours on average for these results to come back with a full report. Your consultant will also let you know about any next steps, including if you need any further tests, new medications or procedures to treat your symptoms.
Experts in echocardiograms and other heart tests
Each cardiac department supports our consultants who specialise in echocardiograms. Your echo will be completed then your results reported by your cardiologist, who will talk you through the results and explain the next steps. We perform more than 20,000 echocardiograms on average per year, so you can rest assured that we’re experts in echocardiography.
Paying for your private echocardiogram
There are several options when it comes to paying for your test. It may be covered by private medical insurance, so speak to your insurer about what your policy includes and whether any conditions apply. Alternatively, you can choose to pay privately. We'll give you a clear and transparent price quote for your private echocardiogram, so you're not surprised by any unexpected costs.
Our echocardiogram locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
We’re here to help you get a private echocardiogram
Want a diagnosis for your symptoms? Our expert consultants can recommend an echocardiogram and help you understand what's happening with your heart. We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced cardiologists.