CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Heart diagnostics and imaging
If heart symptoms are affecting your quality of life, we’re here to help. At HCA UK, we provide exceptional specialist cardiac diagnostics and imaging across our network of outpatient centres and hospitals.
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HEART DIAGNOSTICS AND IMAGING AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
When you need fast access to the latest cardiac tests and diagnostics, we can offer appointments when you need them, with 19 scanning and imaging sites across London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Most of our advanced scans are led by our expert consultant radiologists, whose unique experience and expertise offers a focus on precision, safety and results usually within 48 hours*.
As the UK's No.1 provider of private cardiac care, our multidisciplinary teams have cared for thousands of patients, just like you.
Most of our advanced scans are led by our expert consultant radiologists, whose unique experience and expertise offers a focus on precision, safety and results usually within 48 hours*.
As the UK's No.1 provider of private cardiac care, our multidisciplinary teams have cared for thousands of patients, just like you.
Diagnostic tests and imaging are fundamental for diagnosing and managing cardiac problems. Our specialist diagnostics offer advanced ways of building a detailed picture of your heart, to assess its health and condition and understand if there are any anomalies or cardiac disorders that need to be treated. The results help guide what our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and electrophysiologists do next.
At HCA UK, we only work with the most advanced cardiac imaging equipment, provided through the most comprehensive private cardiac diagnostics network in the UK.
What’s more, the teams behind the equipment – from physiologists to reporting clinicians – are leaders in their field. Our imaging teams have introduced pioneering diagnostic technologies to the UK, such as FFRct HeartFlow a non-invasive test for heart conditions.
We are also the home of world-first applications of new technologies, including applying bioengineering techniques to cardiac CT.
For patients with cardiovascular problems, tests such as cardiac MRI are especially helpful for investigating the heart and blood vessels, which includes assessing any blockage or inflammation in the blood vessels, as well as the health of the heart’s wall, chambers and structures such as the aorta.
What’s more, the teams behind the equipment – from physiologists to reporting clinicians – are leaders in their field. Our imaging teams have introduced pioneering diagnostic technologies to the UK, such as FFRct HeartFlow a non-invasive test for heart conditions.
We are also the home of world-first applications of new technologies, including applying bioengineering techniques to cardiac CT.
For patients with cardiovascular problems, tests such as cardiac MRI are especially helpful for investigating the heart and blood vessels, which includes assessing any blockage or inflammation in the blood vessels, as well as the health of the heart’s wall, chambers and structures such as the aorta.
Our specialist cardiac teams, including our highly trained technicians, physiologists, reporting clinicians and radiologists are all experienced in getting the most precise information possible from your scans and test results. Many have sub-specialist expertise in specific heart diagnostic tests.
Our imaging teams present patient results in multi-disciplinary team meetings, and discuss them with senior clinicians, ensuring you’re always in the safest and most experienced hands at every stage.
Our imaging teams present patient results in multi-disciplinary team meetings, and discuss them with senior clinicians, ensuring you’re always in the safest and most experienced hands at every stage.
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
25,000
ECGs provided per year
20,000+
Echocardiograms performed each year
Rapid access to cardiology tests and scans
Appointments available in as little as 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results available within 48 hours
Wide-ranging cardiac expertise
Across London, Manchester and Birmingham
Heart diagnostics and imaging
Ajmaline provocation test
An ajmaline challenge test is a diagnostic procedure to detect or screen for Brugada syndrome, a rare but serious electrical heart disorder.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is when a patient is fitted with a blood pressure monitor at home for 24 hours. It allows doctors to obtain an accurate reading of how and why the patient’s blood pressure changes over a longer time period.
Ambulatory electrocardiogram
If you’re experiencing an irregular heartbeat or fast heart rates, palpitations, dizziness and fainting spells, you may be referred for an ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as a Holter monitor heart test. This test checks your heart rhythm to help your cardiologist form a diagnosis.
Bubble contrast echocardiogram
A bubble contrast echocardiogram is a specialised cardiac ultrasound used to assess heart function and diagnose structural issues such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defect (ASD), persistent left superior vena cava or intrapulmonary shunting.
Cardiac CT scan
A specialist cardiac scan offering a non-invasive way to evaluate the heart arteries and structure of the heart.
Cardiac MRI scan
We offer private cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which create detailed pictures of your heart and major blood vessels, helping us diagnose and treat heart problems.
Cardiac Risk Blood Profile
A RISK ASSESSMENT FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE
This test identifies certain fats and proteins in the blood which may indicate that you're in a higher-risk category
Cardiac Stress Test
We offer Cardiac Stress Tests or exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart health during exercise. Our cardiac specialists in London, Manchester and Birmingham will guide you at every stage, and your results will be available in as little as 48 hours.
Carotid ultrasound
A SCAN OF THE ARTERIES IN THE NECK THAT CARRY BLOOD TO THE BRAIN
A procedure that uses sound waves to examine the blood flow through your carotid arteries
Cholesterol test
A cholesterol test, or lipid profile, is a simple blood test to measure your cholesterol level, which helps to assess your risk of heart disease and monitor other conditions.
Coronary angiogram
Also known as a cardiac catherisation. This is a diagnostic procedure to look inside your heart's arteries to see if there are any blockages or narrowing of the arteries.
CT coronary angiogram
High-resolution 3D images of the moving heart, coronary arteries and great vessels
Coronary artery calcium scoring
A specialist cardiac CT scan that measures calcification in the coronary arteries, offering early detection of coronary artery disease, to help reduce the risk of heart attack.
CT FFRCT HeartFlow
HeartFlow® FFRCT is a safe, non-invasive way to understand how blood flows through your heart. Its 3D modelling helps detect blockages early to give you confidence about your heart health.
Doppler scan
A Doppler scan is a simple diagnostic imaging test that measures blood flow through your arteries and veins. Our leading cardiologists use Doppler tests to help diagnose a range of heart and blood conditions.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a simple, safe heart scan that uses sound waves to create moving images of your heart. It helps your doctor check how well your heart is working and detect any issues early.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, painless test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. It helps to detect irregularities such as arrhythmias, heart disease or heart attacks.
Electrophysiology studies (EPS)
Mapping the electrical activity of the heart to find the source of arrhythmia and determine the best treatment.
Implantable loop recorder
An implantable loop recorder is a small device that’s placed under the skin in your chest. It picks up signals from the heart and records any abnormal rhythms over a long period of time.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUs)
Intravascular ultrasound is an imaging technique used to provide a cross-sectional view of the coronary arteries during stent insertion.
Multiplate platelet function analysis
Platelet function test used to assess the effectiveness of ‘blood thinners’ prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Myocardial perfusion scanning
Myoview™ or nuclear stress test. A myocardial perfusion scan looks at blood flow patterns to the walls of the heart both during exercise and at rest
PLAC blood test
A PLAC blood test measures an enzyme in the walls of your blood vessels. It helps identify early warning signs of the risk of heart disease or stroke before they happen, so preventative measures can be put in place.
Pressure wire study
If you have narrowed heart arteries, a pressure wire study helps your cardiac specialist assess blood flow to your heart muscle and determine whether you require further treatment.
Test for cardiac marker ST2
Testing your blood for the special protein enzyme ST2 to help manage the risk of heart attack.
Tilt-table test
A tilt-table test can help our expert cardiologists assess whether symptoms such as fainting and dizzy spells are related to a drop in your blood pressure or change in heart rate when you stand or sit up, indicating a heart condition.
TOE heart scan
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a specialised cardiac scan that helps diagnose heart problems.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a diagnostic scan that uses ultrasound to examine your heart and assess its function. If you're experiencing heart symptoms or concerns, our cardiac specialists are here to provide a fast, accurate diagnosis.
Locations
Where can I get my heart diagnostics and imaging?
With leading private hospitals and diagnostic sites across London, Manchester and Birmingham, and a dedicated cardiac booking team, you’ll find it easy to choose the right appointment for you.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
Your heart diagnostics and imaging with HCA UK
What to expect
From your initial consultation through to diagnosis and treatment, we want you to feel informed and reassured. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
You’ll be in good hands – all our scans are carried out by our expert teams of cardiac specialists and radiographers who will support you through the whole process.
You’ll be in good hands – all our scans are carried out by our expert teams of cardiac specialists and radiographers who will support you through the whole process.
01
Before your scan
If your doctor has requested a specific diagnostic scan, you can call our dedicated cardiac line to find the best time and location for you. They’ll send you all the information you need to prepare for your scan, including what to leave at home (such as metal or jewellery), and whether you need to fast before your scan. If you have a pacemaker or other medical implant, we’ll ask you for details.
02
During your scan
Your radiographer will confirm the screening process, step by step, including any safety procedures, and ask you to sign a patient safety questionnaire form. Depending on the scan needed, you may be given a gown to wear, and an injection of ‘contrast’ medication to enhance the images. For your comfort we can usually offer music or podcasts to listen to during most scans.
03
After your scan
A specialist consultant radiologist will report on your scan. This will usually be sent to your referring doctor within 48hrs. Your consultant will then be able to arrange any further tests or treatments necessary. Rest assured, you’ll receive all the expert care and support you need, at every stage.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQs
Our heart team is available to book an appointment with a cardiac specialist who can advise you on the best tests and diagnostics for your symptoms and condition.
We are able to offer a range of diagnostic scans for patients with many types of implants, including pacemakers, neurostimulators and orthopaedic implants. We are happy to talk to you about your particular implant and advise you further.
Most common heart scans are considered to be perfectly safe for your baby in all stages of pregnancy. If you need a contrast dye during a scan, your doctor will discuss this with you first and advise whether it is suitable for you and your baby.
Most heart tests and scans are considered to be very safe with little risk. If there’s anything in particular you’re worried about, our booking and clinical teams can answer any questions you have. Some people can experience allergic reactions to the contrast dye used in some scans, although is very rare.
Generally we need a referral letter from your GP or doctor before we can confirm any tests. If you prefer, you can book an appointment with an HCA UK consultant who will refer you directly for any diagnostics you may need, often on the same day as your initial appointment.
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