Private Echocardiogram

Private Echocardiogram Near You

An echocardiogram (echo, heart ultrasound, transthoracic echocardiogram/TTE) is a safe, painless scan that uses sound waves to create moving images of your heart. It shows the heart’s chambers, valves, muscle thickness, pumping strength (ejection fraction), and blood flow in real time (Doppler/colorflow). Unlike an ECG/EKG (electrocardiogram), which records the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram looks at the structure and function of the heart.

Why might I need an echocardiogram?

Doctors order an echo heart test to investigate symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, swelling (oedema), heart murmur, high blood pressure, or abnormal ECG findings. It’s also used to monitor conditions such as cardiomyopathy, valve disease, congenital heart defects, and after a heart attack.

Top 5 abnormalities an echocardiogram can find:

1. Valve disease (stenosis or regurgitation of aortic/mitral/tricuspid/pulmonary valves)
2. Reduced ejection fraction/heart failure and wall-motion abnormalities
3. Cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive)
4. Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)
5. Congenital defects (e.g., atrial/ventricular septal defects, PFO)

Does an echocardiogram show blockages?
Not directly. It can suggest reduced blood flow via wall-motion changes or on a stress echocardiogram, but blocked arteries are best assessed with tests like CT coronary angiography or invasive angiography.

Types of echocardiography we offer

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE / “standard echo”): Gel on the chest; ultrasound probe over the chest wall. First-line test for most people.
• Stress Echocardiogram: Images taken at rest and during exercise or with medication (e.g., dobutamine) to see how the heart performs under stress.
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE/TOE): A small probe passes down the throat (with sedation) to obtain high-detail images behind the heart, useful for clots, valves, or prosthetic valves.
• Contrast Echocardiogram: Microbubble contrast improves image quality in certain patients and helps assess shunts/wall motion.

What happens during an echocardiogram?

• You’ll lie on your left side; three ECG stickers record your heartbeat.
• A sonographer/cardiologist places the probe on your chest to capture images in several “windows.”
• Why do they scan your stomach during an echocardiogram? We use a subcostal view just under the ribcage (upper abdomen) to visualise the heart and inferior vena cava (IVC)—this helps assess fluid status and right-heart pressures.
• Why do they check your neck during an echocardiogram? Sometimes we assess the jugular veins clinically or perform a carotid ultrasound during the same visit if requested; it’s not part of every echo.
• Why the throat? Only for TEE/TOE, where the probe goes down the oesophagus to obtain higher-resolution images.

How long does an echocardiogram take?
A standard TTE typically takes 20–40 minutes (allow up to 60 minutes for documentation). Stress echo or TEE can take longer.

Preparation: what to do before your echo

• Can you eat or drink before an echocardiogram (TTE)? Yes—no fasting required. Light meals are fine.
• Coffee/caffeine before echocardiogram? For routine TTE, it’s acceptable. For a stress echocardiogram, avoid caffeine for 24 hours if possible (it can affect heart rate and results).
• Alcohol before an echocardiogram / ECG? Best avoided within 24 hours, as it can alter heart rate, blood pressure, and rhythm.
• Medication: Take your usual medicines unless your clinician advises otherwise (stress echo instructions may differ).
• Clothing: Wear a two-piece outfit; you’ll undress from the waist up.
• Female patients: A chaperone is available; breast tissue may be gently repositioned to optimise images—privacy and comfort are prioritised.

Are echocardiograms safe?
Yes. No radiation is used. Side effects are rare. TEE involves sedation and a throat probe—your team will explain risks and aftercare.

Understanding your results

You’ll receive an echocardiogram report that describes valve function, chamber sizes, wall thickness, ejection fraction, and any abnormal echocardiogram findings.
When do results come back? Private reports are typically available the same day or within 24–48 hours (complex tests may take slightly longer).

If my echo is normal, is my heart OK?
A normal echo is reassuring for structure and pumping function, but it doesn’t rule out every condition (e.g., small coronary blockages, intermittent rhythm problems). Your clinician may advise further tests (ECG, Holter monitor, CT coronary angiography, stress testing) depending on symptoms.

Echocardiogram vs ECG (Electrocardiogram)

• ECG/EKG: Electrical activity (rhythm, rate, conduction); quick (5–10 min).
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging (structure, valves, pumping, blood flow).
  They’re complementary and often performed together.

Frequently asked questions

• What is an echocardiogram test / echo test?
  A heart ultrasound that shows real-time pictures of your heart’s structure and blood flow.
• What does an echocardiogram show / what does it test for?
  Valve problems, heart muscle function, chamber size, congenital defects, fluid around the heart, pulmonary pressures, and blood flow direction/velocity (Doppler).
• What do the colors mean on an echocardiogram?
  Red/blue Doppler colors indicate direction of blood flow, not “good vs bad.” Additional shades show velocity/turbulence.
• How is an echocardiogram done on a woman?
  Exactly the same technique; we ensure privacy and positioning adjustments for optimal images.
• How to prepare for a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)?
  No fasting; wear comfortable clothing; bring your medication list.
• Are you sedated for a transthoracic echocardiogram?
  No. Sedation is used for TEE/TOE only.
• Can I drive after a transthoracic echocardiogram?
  Yes. After TEE/TOE (sedation), you must not drive the same day.
• Does alcohol/caffeine affect an echocardiogram?
  They can influence heart rate and blood pressure—avoid alcohol, and avoid caffeine for stress echo (OK in moderation for routine TTE).
• Can an echocardiogram detect cancer?
  It may show a cardiac mass, but it’s not a cancer screening test. Further imaging would be required.
• How often should you have an echocardiogram?
  Only as clinically indicated—your cardiologist will advise based on your condition.
• Echocardiogram vs ultrasound terminology
  An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart (echo, echo scan, heart sonogram/echogram).

Prices & availability

Looking for echocardiogram cost in London or a private echo scan near me? Get a fast appointment with same-day reporting and clear follow-up plans.