Services

Echocardiogram Scans

Book a private echocardiogram scan near you, and fast-track your diagnosis today. It's quick, simple and affordable, and you don't need a referral from your GP. Our prices include an expert clinician consultation, your chosen scan at a convenient location, and speedy online results.

Private Echocardiogram Scan
No GP referral required
Consultation with clinicians
Digital imaging report

Not sure what you need?

Book a consultation call with our clinicians for expert scan advice for just £50. Plus, you'll get a no-obligation referral if imaging is recommended.

How it works

01 Book online
at a location of your choice.
02 Speak to a clinician
to discuss your scan and symptoms.
03 Confirm your appointment
via a call from the scanning centre.
04 Have your scan
with our expert scanning partners.
05 Get your results
digitally, with a follow-up clinician call.

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.

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

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. The sound waves bounce off the 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.

How long does an echocardiogram take?

The whole procedure usually takes between 20-30 minutes to complete. It should not cause you any discomfort and you can return to your day as normal afterwards.

Why would a doctor order an echocardiogram?

If your doctors decide an echocardiogram is required, it could be for monitoring or diagnostic purposes.

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 an echocardiogram can help identify heart problems and heart defects that may be the cause. If you have a known heart problem such as heart valve disease, echocardiogram can be used to monitor the condition.

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).

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

More FAQs

Echocardiograms do not use ionising radiation like CT or X-ray scans. Instead, echo is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves. Generally, a standard echocardiogram safe procedure because there are no radiation risks and the test is non-invasive.

Internal echocardiograms (TOE) are semi invasive and can have more risks of complications such as damage to the oesophagus, or side effects from sedation. You may be drowsy after sedation so you will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours afterwards. The same can be said of scans using contrast, as it is possible to have an allergic reaction to the contrast agent. A serious allergic reaction is rare.

If you're having a stress echocardiogram and you have heart problems, there is a risk of the procedure triggering a cardiac event. However, you will be carefully monitored, usually by a heart specialist, while undergoing physical activity such as on a stationary bike. This is to ensure you stop if any problems occur.
Scan.com has fast turnaround times, usually in a matter of days compared to the 4 weeks it can take to receive NHS echocardiogram results. Our turnaround times can vary depending on the reporting times set by each individual scanning centre. We provide a general estimate of 7-10 working days, but, in many cases, results can be much quicker.
Private echocardiograms are available at a range of private hospitals and imaging clinics nationwide. Scan.com lets you compare centres across the UK, including sites in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and more.
Private echocardiograms vary in price depending on the type of scan you need and the individual prices set by the scanning centres we work with. Generally they fall within the £200-£500 range.
A key benefit of booking with Scan.com is that you do not need a GP referral to access our services. There is also no self-referral process. Instead, our in-house medical team will contact you once you have booked and made payment for your scan. Our clinicians will ask you for all of the relevant information they need to compile a referral on your behalf, which is then passed on to your chosen scanning site.
Yes, we do offer cancellations and refunds, though depending on the status of your booking this may incur a £50 cancellation fee. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.

Dedicated Care

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.

Dr. Khalid Latief

BMSc, MBChB, FRCP, FRCR
Jasper Nissim

D.O.
Emma Ross

D.O.
Simon Thurgood
Mark Piper

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