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Echocardiogram Scans
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Echo­cardiogram Scans

Register your interest for speedy access to a private echocardiogram near you and we'll be in touch when we're open for bookings.

Our Echocardiography packages include an expert clinician consultation, your chosen scan at a convenient location, and speedy online results - all for one affordable price.

Private Echocardiogram Scans

What is an echocardiogram used for?

An echocardiogram, or 'echo', is a type of ultrasound scan for the heart. A small ultrasound probe is used to generate images of the heart and the surrounding blood vessels to find out how your heart is working, investigate symptoms, and diagnose and monitor heart conditions. There are several different types of echocardiogram test:

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)

The most common type of echocardiogram where sticky electrodes are placed on your chest, and an ultrasound probe is moved across your chest.

Stress echocardiogram

An exercise stress echocardiogram is the same as a TTE, but the scan is taken during or after activity on a treadmill or exercise bike. Or, you may be given an injection that makes your heart work harder.

Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)

A less common internal scan used to generate more detailed images of the back of the heart. A TOE procedure uses a thinner ultrasound probe inserted into your throat, which is numbed with a spray.

Contrast echocardiogram

A contrast agent is given to you via an injection, to help highlight certain areas of your heart in more definition. You may then be given either a TTE or TOE, depending on the reason for your scan.

What is an echocardiogram and how does it work?

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan specially for the heart. It uses high frequency sound waves produced by a transducer (probe) that is moved across the skin of your chest, or inserted into your throat for a transoesophageal scan. The sound waves bounce off the internal heart structures and echo back to the transducer. It records the echoes and uses them to create pictures of your heart on a screen. It is generally carried out either by a sonographer, cardiac physiologist, or cardiologist.

What is the difference between echo and ECG?

An echocardiogram (echo) is useful in detecting and assessing damage to the heart, along with any issues with its functionality, and abnormalities in shape and size. The images produced by an echo show the heart valves, heart walls, heart chambers, and how strong the heart is beating in real-time.

Meanwhile, an ECG or Electrocardiogram is a different type of test used to measure the electrical activity and your heart's rhythm. The results are displayed as a graph, rather than an image. An ECG can help investigate palpitations, irregular heartbeats, coronary heart disease and more.

How do I prepare for an echocardiogram test?

Preparations for a transthoracic echocardiogram are minimal. You will be asked to undress on your top half, lie down on a flat bed, and an ultrasound probe is moved over the skin of your chest. You may be given a hospital gown for your comfort before and after the scan.

A transoesophageal echocardiogram requires more preparation, including fasting for several hours before and after your scan. A mild sedative injection may be offered to help you relax and alleviate discomfort, and your throat will be numbed with a spray.

How long does an echocardiogram take?

The whole procedure usually takes between 20-60 minutes, but this can vary for each of the types of echocardiogram. A stress echo requires one echocardiogram at rest, and further tests after short bursts of exercise, which can add time to your procedure.

Internal echocardiograms take around 30 minutes. You might find you have a sore throat after the process, but this is usually mild and subsides shortly after the procedure. Some patients find the idea of a TOE procedure uncomfortable and mild sedation can be provided, but you will need to be monitored for a short while after your scan.

Why would a doctor order an echocardiogram?

If your doctors decide an echocardiogram is required, it could be for monitoring or diagnosis. If you've got a known heart problem, stress echocardiography may be ordered to check your heart health prior to surgery, or determine what exercise levels are safe for you after you've recovered from a cardiac issue such as a heart attack or heart surgery. If you have heart valve disease, it can also be used to monitor the condition.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, high blood pressure or shortness of breath, the detailed images produced by a TTE or TOE can help identify heart problems and heart defects that may be the cause.

What does an echocardiogram show?

An echocardiogram will show the structure of the heart and nearby blood vessels, to check how blood flows through the heart. Echocardiograms can show problems with the heart including an infection of the valves (endocarditis), thickened heart walls (cardiomyopathy), heart failure, or damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack. The scan may also reveal problems with the normal workings of the heart that could be caused by congenital heart disease (birth defects). A stress echo is particularly good for checking for coronary heart disease as it can identify whether enough blood is flowing through the coronary arteries.

Echocardiogram Scan Costs

When you book a private echocardiogram scan with Scan.com, you'll receive a full, end-to-end package of care for £250.

The cost of an echocardiogram scan varies depending on the pricing set by the individual scanning centres.

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Private Echocardiogram Scan

Starting from £250

Quick and easy referral process, with support from a dedicated expert clinician

Your echocardiogram scan, at a selected location near you

Digital access to your radiologist's report, and the option to request copies of your images as required

If there are any next steps or adverse findings, our expert clinicians will provide a post-scan phone consultation to explain your echo scan results and treatment options

How it works

  1. 01 Booking and referral

    Select a scan type and convenient location, and make payment to secure your booking. Within 2 days, you'll receive a phone consultation with an expert clinician, who will ask you about your symptoms, and complete your scan referral.

  2. 02 Scan confirmation

    After referral, your chosen scanning site will call you to offer a choice of appointment times. Some of our sites allow appointment pre-selection at the point of booking. If you've already selected a time, we'll email to confirm it at this stage.

  3. 03 Have your scan

    The expert radiographers, sonographers and patient care staff at your selected partner centre will answer any queries and complete your scan. After your scan, the images will be prepared and sent to a highly qualified radiologist for reporting.

  4. 04 Receive your results

    Our clinicians will receive your report, and email a copy to you. You can also request copies of your images if needed for onward care. If any abnormalities are found, our clinicians will contact you to discuss your results and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about booking an Echocardiogram scan with us, visit our FAQ guide.

Can't see an answer to your question? Our friendly patient care team are happy to help.

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By a team of experienced clinicians

Meet our team of expert radiologists, osteopaths, physiotherapists and general practitioners. They're here to provide the highest standards of care throughout your scanning journey.

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