Echocardiogram in London: Private Heart Scan With Same-Day Doctor-Interpreted Results
A private echocardiogram at The Online GP by The Wellness is performed by a GMC-registered doctor with results discussed before you leave our Marylebone clinic. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that assesses chamber size, valve function, pumping strength, and overall cardiac structure. It is the primary investigation for heart murmurs, unexplained breathlessness, palpitations, and suspected heart failure. On the NHS, an echocardiogram referral can take weeks or months for non-urgent cases. At our clinic, appointments are available with minimal wait, giving you answers when you need them.
Book an Echocardiogram - WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: 020 3951 3429
What an Echocardiogram Reveals About Your Heart
An echocardiogram provides a detailed, real-time picture of your heart that no other non-invasive test can match. It is fundamentally different from an ECG, which measures electrical activity. An echocardiogram shows the physical structure and mechanical function of your heart.
Heart chambers. The scan measures the size of all four chambers (left and right atria, left and right ventricles). Enlarged chambers can indicate heart failure, valve disease, or cardiomyopathy. Reduced chamber size may indicate dehydration, constrictive disease, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Heart valves. The four heart valves (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary) are assessed for structure and function. The scan can identify stenosis (narrowing, restricting blood flow), regurgitation (leaking, allowing blood to flow backwards), and prolapse (valve leaflets bulging abnormally). Valve disease is one of the most common cardiac conditions, and echocardiography is the definitive investigation for assessing its type and severity.
Pumping function. The ejection fraction (EF) measures how effectively the left ventricle pumps blood with each beat. A normal EF is 55 to 70%. A reduced EF indicates heart failure, which can be present without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Identifying reduced EF early allows treatment that can slow or prevent progression.
Wall motion and thickness. The scan assesses how the heart muscle walls move during contraction. Areas of reduced motion may indicate previous heart attack damage. Increased wall thickness (hypertrophy) may indicate long-standing high blood pressure or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Pericardium. Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) can be detected and quantified. Small effusions may be incidental, but larger effusions can indicate pericarditis, infection, or other conditions requiring treatment.
When You Should Consider an Echocardiogram
A heart murmur has been detected. Heart murmurs are sounds caused by turbulent blood flow through or near the heart. Many are innocent (harmless), particularly in young people, but some indicate valve disease that requires monitoring or treatment. An echocardiogram is the definitive test for determining whether a murmur is significant.
Unexplained breathlessness. If you are more breathless than expected during exercise, climbing stairs, or even at rest, and there is no obvious respiratory cause, cardiac assessment is important. Heart failure, valve disease, and cardiomyopathy can all cause breathlessness.
Palpitations or irregular heartbeat. While most palpitations are benign, an echocardiogram can check for structural heart conditions that may contribute to rhythm disturbances.
Chest pain or discomfort. If cardiac emergency has been ruled out (always go to A&E for acute chest pain), an echocardiogram assesses structural causes of chest discomfort.
Family history of heart disease. If a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can cause sudden cardiac death in young people), echocardiographic screening is strongly recommended.
Athletic cardiac screening. Young athletes, particularly those engaged in intense or competitive sport, may benefit from cardiac screening to identify rare but potentially fatal conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our Athlete Screen package at £345 combines an echocardiogram with one musculoskeletal ultrasound area.
High blood pressure. Long-standing hypertension can cause the heart muscle to thicken (left ventricular hypertrophy), reducing its efficiency. An echocardiogram detects this, which may influence treatment decisions.
Baseline health screening. For proactive individuals who want a thorough cardiac assessment as part of a comprehensive health check, an echocardiogram provides reassurance that goes far beyond a blood pressure reading or ECG.
Discuss Whether You Need a Heart Scan - WhatsApp
The Heart Health Scan: Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment
For patients who want the most thorough non-invasive cardiac evaluation, our Heart Health Scan at £495 combines three complementary investigations.
Echocardiogram. Full assessment of heart structure, valves, chambers, pumping function, and pericardium as described above.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound. Evaluates blood flow in the carotid arteries, the major arteries in the neck that supply the brain. Carotid stenosis (narrowing) is a significant risk factor for stroke. Detecting it early allows preventative treatment (lifestyle modification, medication, or surgical intervention if severe).
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. Measures the diameter of the abdominal aorta to detect aneurysm, a potentially fatal condition that is usually asymptomatic until it ruptures. The NHS offers AAA screening only to men at age 65. Private screening is available at any age for those with risk factors.
When combined with blood tests for lipids, diabetes markers, and inflammatory markers, this provides the most comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment available outside a specialist cardiology clinic. All performed in a single visit at our Marylebone clinic.
The Executive Body Scan: Heart Plus Everything Else
Our Executive Body Scan at £695 includes the full Heart Health Scan (echocardiogram, carotid Doppler, AAA screening) plus comprehensive abdominal ultrasound, thyroid scan, and extensive blood work. This is our most thorough single-visit health assessment, covering cardiac, vascular, abdominal, thyroid, and metabolic health in one appointment.
For patients who want to address cardiac concerns alongside a broader health audit, the Executive Body Scan offers exceptional value and clinical depth.
Book a Heart Health Scan or Executive Body Scan - WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: 020 3951 3429
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private echocardiogram cost? Available standalone or as part of the Heart Health Scan (£495) or Executive Body Scan (£695). Contact us for individual pricing.
What does it show? Heart chambers, valves, pumping function, wall thickness and motion, and fluid around the heart.
Do I need a referral? No. Book directly. A £49 phone consultation can help determine if an echo is right for you.
Is it the same as an ECG? No. An ECG measures electrical activity. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound showing structure and function. Both provide different, complementary information.
How long does it take? 20 to 30 minutes. Painless. Results discussed immediately.
Can it detect heart disease? Yes, many forms including valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and pericardial effusion. It cannot detect blocked arteries directly.
Is it suitable for athletes? Yes. Our Athlete Screen at £345 combines echocardiogram with MSK ultrasound. Recommended for competitive and high-intensity athletes.
The Online GP by The Wellness provides private doctor-led healthcare and diagnostic imaging from our Marylebone clinic. Contact us on WhatsApp at +44 7961 280835, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call 020 3951 3429. For acute chest pain, call 999 immediately.
References
British Heart Foundation. Heart conditions and echocardiography. Updated 2025.
NICE. Chronic heart failure: diagnosis and management. NG106. Updated 2024.
British Society of Echocardiography. Clinical standards. Updated 2024.
NICE. Heart valve disease. NG208. Updated 2024.
