CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Private Echocardiogram
An ultrasound scan of the heart. Also known as an 'echo', this specialised cardiac scan is used to examine the structure and function of the heart.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a scan to see if your heart and valves are working correctly.
The moving image created by an ultrasound allows your consultant to check for potential damage caused by a heart attack or for other conditions that can affect heart function, including holes in the heart.
Need to know
The most common type of echocardiogram works in a similar way to an ultrasound during pregnancy. 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 of your chest above where your heart is.
Sound waves from the probe bounce off the structures of your heart to produce a moving image. If your consultant suspects you have a hole in your heart, they may inject a small amount of sterile water mixed with air into a vein in your arm to help visualise any holes. The whole procedure takes between 15 minutes and 30 minutes.
Your consultant or physiologist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Usually there isn't any special preparation needed for an echocardiogram.
The scan itself shouldn't be painful, and you'll be able to go home right after your appointment. Once your consultant has analysed the results of your scan, they'll discuss them with you. They'll also let you know about any next steps, including further tests if needed.
Our Echocardiogram locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
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