CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
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.
You might need an echocardiogram if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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.
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.
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.
Different types of echocardiogram help your consultant understand your heart in various ways. These include non-invasive and invasive echocardiograms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.