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 (echo) test
- Leading private cardiac care provider ranked No.1 in the UK
- Test results available within 48 hours
- 99% of patients would recommend our cardiac care to friends and family
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Private echocardiogram at HCA UK
Why choose us
We’re the UK’s leading private provider of echocardiograms (echo), caring for over 79,000 cardiac patients in the last three years. Our team comprises over 235 expert cardiologists, supported by experienced sonographers and clinical staff. Scans are carried out using the latest technology in modern, comfortable settings.
You can usually have your echocardiogram on the same day, with results available within 48 hours. With 99% of patients saying they’d recommend us, you can trust us to deliver expert cardiac care.
You can usually have your echocardiogram on the same day, with results available within 48 hours. With 99% of patients saying they’d recommend us, you can trust us to deliver expert cardiac care.
Also known as an echo, an echocardiogram is a safe, painless scan that shows how your heart and valves are working. It uses ultrasound waves to create a live image of your heart, helping your consultant see its size, shape, and how well it’s pumping blood.
The scan takes less than an hour and is completely non-invasive. Your consultant might recommend an echo to investigate symptoms, monitor a known heart condition, plan a procedure, or check recovery after surgery.
You might need an echocardiogram if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain (angina)
- Headaches and migraines
- Heart palpitations (a fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest or neck)
- Light-headedness and fainting
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling in the feet, ankles or belly
- Extreme tiredness
These symptoms may 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.
Wear something comfortable and easy to remove from your top half, as you’ll need to undress to the waist for the scan. You’ll be given a hospital gown to wear during the procedure. There’s no need to bring anything special, and you can eat and drink as normal unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram: This procedure is completely safe and painless. You might feel some mild discomfort during the scan, as the lubricating gel may feel cold against your skin, and the probe needs enough pressure against your chest to create clear and accurate images of your heart. The cardiologist or sonographer will only use as much pressure as needed.
- Contrast echocardiogram: There's a small risk of an allergic reaction to the dye used in contrast echo. Some people experience aches and pains or rashes, but more severe reactions are rare. Reactions typically happen immediately, so your medical team will be present to help you manage any symptoms.
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE): You may experience additional side effects such as soreness, difficulty swallowing, a weak voice or minor bleeding. In rare cases, TOE can lead to injury to the teeth, gums or lips, holes in the oesophagus (oesophageal perforation) or heart rhythm problems.
- Stress echocardiogram: The medicine you receive during a stress echocardiogram could temporarily give you symptoms like nausea, dizziness, a flushing feeling or chest pain. These should go away in a short period of time. More serious complications like a fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure or a heart attack are rare. You'll be monitored carefully throughout the procedure to prevent these symptoms from occurring.
Your consultant will discuss any risks with your associated echo so you can make an informed decision before going ahead.
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
Locations
Where can I access a private echo?
You can arrange a private echocardiogram at our hospitals and clinics in London, Manchester or Birmingham. Our experienced cardiology consultants are here to support you from your initial consultation through to any follow-up care. We’ll take time to explain each step clearly, so you feel informed and reassured throughout.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Your private echo with HCA UK
What to expect
At HCA UK, we take a complete approach to private heart care. With over 230 cardiology specialists working across our leading hospitals and centres, we deliver outstanding, personalised care.
Every patient is looked after by a wider team of experts who work together to ensure care is thorough and tailored to your needs. From fast diagnosis to personalised treatment plans and follow-up, we’re with you at every stage of your journey.
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Before your echo
You can book a private echo through a referral or as a self-pay patient. 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. 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.
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During your echo
You'll change into a gown in a private space and lie on your left side during the scan. A gel is applied to your chest, and an ultrasound probe captures moving images of your heart. The scan usually lasts 15 to 60 minutes. If contrast is needed or medicine is used, your consultant will explain everything and monitor you before you go home.
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After your echo
Your consultant will analyse the results of your echocardiogram and 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 be processed and a full report to be provided. Your consultant will also let you know about any next steps, including any further tests, new medications or procedures to treat your symptoms.
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.
Private echo FAQs
An echocardiogram can help identify a wide range of heart conditions by creating detailed images of your heart and its function. Below are some of the conditions your consultant may look for.
- Aortic aneurysm
- Cardiac tumours
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Endocarditis
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Injury to your heart muscles caused by a heart attack
- Pericarditis
Different types of echocardiograms help your consultant understand your heart in various ways. These include non-invasive and invasive echocardiograms, including:
Non-invasive echocardiograms
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): Sometimes also called a heart ultrasound, this is the most non-invasive and common way to scan your heart. A probe is placed on the surface of your chest to produce an image of your heart from outside your body. A TTE works in much the same way as an ultrasound scan during pregnancy.
Contrast echocardiogram: This is the same as a transthoracic echo, except a small amount of dye or 'contrast' is injected into your bloodstream to help show your heart's structures more clearly during the scan.
Bubble echocardiogram: Similarly, a bubble echo scan involves injecting a small amount of salt water (saline) containing tiny bubbles into your bloodstream. The bubbles help identify any holes in your heart, which don't usually show up clearly on a TTE.
Stress echocardiogram: It may be necessary to do an echocardiogram while your heart works harder than usual and is 'under stress'. Your consultant or sonographer may ask you to do some exercises or give you some medicine to facilitate this. A stress echocardiogram is particularly helpful to detect coronary artery disease as it can show that the arteries in the heart aren't getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
Invasive echocardiograms
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE): A TOE test creates an image from inside your body to provide a clearer picture as the ultrasound waves don't have to pass through skin, muscle or bone. You're given sedatives and your throat is numbed, then a probe about as wide as an index finger is inserted into your oesophagus via your mouth and throat.
An echocardiogram and an 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’s beating.
Your consultant may recommend that 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.
It depends on the type of echocardiogram you're having, but typically it can take anywhere between 15 minutes and one hour to complete. Your consultant might want to keep an eye on you for at least half an hour following the scan if they gave you medicine to increase your heart rate, but you should be able to go home soon after.
You'll receive the results of any tests within 48 hours for peace of mind. Your cardiology consultant will discuss your results with you and answer any questions you may have. They'll also tailor a plan for your next steps for any further tests, treatments or follow-up care.
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.
We'll give you a clear and transparent price quote for your private echocardiogram, so you're not surprised by any unexpected costs.
Our cardiac patient stories
Judith's cardiac treatment
For years, Judith knew there was something wrong with her heart. At London Bridge Hospital, she finally had the life-changing treatment she needed.
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition
When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, like millions of others, 56-year-old House Manager James took the opportunity to introduce some simple daily exercise into his busy work schedule. Little did he know that the changes would reveal a hidden heart condition, that would require a triple heart bypass to fix.
“Attentive and professional medical staff who went to great lengths to allay any worries or fears.”
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