Private Echocardiogram in London

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A small probe is placed on the chest wall, sending harmless sound waves through the heart and back, building up real-time moving images of the heart muscle, valves, great vessels and the flow of blood between the chambers. It is painless, involves no radiation and typically takes 20 to 40 minutes.

The echocardiogram is the workhorse test of modern cardiology. It can confirm or exclude many of the most common heart problems, from valve disease and cardiomyopathy to pericardial fluid and the consequences of high blood pressure. In experienced hands, it provides an extraordinary amount of clinically useful information at the bedside.

When is an echocardiogram recommended?

An echocardiogram is often advised when there are symptoms or signs suggesting that the heart is not working as it should, or when a previous test or scan needs explaining. It is also a key part of follow-up for many established cardiac conditions and a useful screening tool when there is a strong family history.

• Breathlessness, fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
• A heart murmur detected by a GP or other doctor
• Chest pain, palpitations or fainting episodes
• Known or suspected valve disease, heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• Surveillance after chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Family history of inherited heart muscle or valve disease
• Pre-operative cardiac assessment

Our approach

Echocardiograms at cardiologists.london are performed and interpreted by experienced consultant cardiologists, not reported in isolation by a remote third party. Dr James Howard's academic interest in cardiac imaging, including AI-enhanced cardiac MRI and the SAMSON trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, informs how he approaches every scan: methodically, with attention to detail and an emphasis on what the findings mean for you. Dr Ahran Arnold brings additional expertise where rhythm disorders and structural disease overlap.

Scans are performed at OneWelbeck Heart Health on Welbeck Street, where the practice has access to state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. Most patients have their echocardiogram on the same day as their consultation, with the results discussed face to face before they leave.

What to expect on the day

An echocardiogram appointment is straightforward and comfortable. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand, and there is no special preparation. Plan for around 45 minutes from arrival to leaving the clinic, longer if combined with a consultation.

• You will be asked to undress to the waist and lie on a couch, on your left side
• Small ECG stickers are placed on the chest to record the heart rhythm
• Warm gel is applied and the probe is moved gently across the chest wall
• You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change position
• Images are reviewed in real time and a written report is produced the same day
• Where additional tests are needed, these can usually be arranged immediately