A detailed ultrasound of your heart using the same safe sound waves found in pregnancy scans. Non-invasive, painless, and performed by highly specialised Advanced Cardiac Physiologists.
Whether you’ve been referred by your GP, have a specific concern, or simply want reassurance that your heart is healthy, an echocardiogram gives you a clear, detailed picture.
If you experience breathlessness, an elevated heart rate, or chest discomfort at rest or during exercise, an echo can help identify the cause.
Palpitations, a heart murmur, or an unusual heart rhythm can all be investigated with an echo to look at how your heart is functioning structurally.
If a close relative has had coronary heart disease, heart failure, or a heart attack, a check-up can give you peace of mind or catch things early.
You have your teeth and eyes checked regularly. An echo lets you check on your heart too — assessing chamber sizes, wall thickness, and how well it’s pumping.
If you’re experiencing cardiac symptoms following Covid, an echo can assess your heart’s structure and function to help rule out any lasting effects.
Hypertension can cause heart wall muscles to thicken and, over time, lead to heart enlargement. An echo monitors these changes before they become serious.
Here’s everything you need to know — from preparing for your visit to getting your results.
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications as normal throughout the day.
It’s helpful to bring a list of any current medications with you, as your physiologist may need to know what you’re taking (blood pressure medication, for example). If you can, please also bring your height and weight — this helps us assess your heart more accurately.
If you need additional support — for example, if English isn’t your first language and you’d like an interpreter — please get in touch and we’ll do everything we can to help.
You’ll be welcomed into the clinic room by your physiologist, who will confirm your details and talk you through the test.
You’ll need to remove clothing from your top half for the scan. Your privacy is important to us — you’ll be behind a screen in a private clinic room, and we’ll offer you a disposable sheet or gown for extra comfort.
Three small ECG electrodes (flat, sticky patches) will be placed on your chest or back so the physiologist can see your heart’s rhythm and the machine can record at the right moments. You’ll then be asked to lie on your left side, which gives us the best images. If you’re unable to turn, don’t worry — just let us know and we’ll do everything we can to get clear images while you’re on your back.
A small amount of gel is applied to the ultrasound probe — it feels cold and sticky but is completely harmless. The physiologist will move the probe across different areas of your chest. It sends out sound waves (completely inaudible) that “echo” against your heart’s structures, building up a moving picture on the screen.
The scan itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Afterwards, the electrodes are removed and you can wipe off the gel and get dressed.
At this point, the physiologist has captured all the images, but detailed analysis and measurements still need to be completed after you leave — so it’s not possible to discuss full results on the day.
After your appointment, the data is analysed in detail. We aim to have your results to you within 4 working days.
Your report will be emailed to your referring clinician. If you’ve self-referred, both you and your GP will receive a copy of the results.
If your echocardiogram includes a Cardiologist Review, our Consultant Cardiologist will personally review all findings and produce an additional detailed commentary alongside the physiologist’s report.
Choose your reporting level below. Both options include the same full BSE-compliant echo — the Cardiologist Review adds a personal review by our Consultant Cardiologist.
Not at all. An echo is completely non-invasive and painless. The ultrasound probe is pressed gently against your chest with a layer of gel. Some people find the gel a little cold, but that’s the most discomfort you’ll experience.
No. You can self-refer for a private echocardiogram. Many of our patients book directly without a GP referral. If you have been referred, we’ll send your results back to your referring clinician as well as to you.
Typically between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the scan. We don’t rush — our physiologists take the time needed to capture thorough, high-quality images of your heart.
Both options include the same full, BSE-compliant echocardiogram performed by an Advanced Cardiac Physiologist. With the Cardiologist Review (£395), our Consultant Cardiologist additionally reviews all findings and provides a detailed personal commentary. The standard option (£295) is reported by the physiologist — this is the professional who performs echocardiograms every day and is more than qualified to produce a comprehensive report.
Absolutely. We have both male and female physiologists on our team. If you have a preference, just let us know when you book your appointment and we’ll arrange it for you. We can also provide a chaperone if you’d like one — just ask.
We aim to have your results to you within 4 working days. Your report will be emailed to you and, if applicable, to your referring clinician or GP.
Book online in just a few clicks, or give us a call. We’re friendly, we’re here to help, and there’s no question too small.
