Heart Health Screening London 2026: ECG, Echocardiogram and Cardiac MOT Complete Guide
Medically reviewed by The Online GP by The Wellness clinical team | Last updated: April 2026
At a glance
Private heart health screening in London 2026 costs £150 to £2,500 depending on tests included. The Online GP by The Wellness in Marylebone offers ECG at £150, echocardiogram at £295 to £395, the comprehensive Heart Health Scan at £495 (echocardiogram plus carotid Doppler plus cardiac risk blood panel), the Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment at £695 (adds 24-hour ECG monitor, extended bloods, and GP consultation), and 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring at £295. Same-day appointments. GMC-registered doctors. Same-day reports. Marylebone clinic, two minutes from Baker Street, adjacent to Harley Street.
According to British Heart Foundation 2026 data, approximately 7.6 million UK adults live with heart or circulatory disease, 1 in 3 UK adults have high blood pressure with about half undiagnosed, 1.5 million people have diagnosed atrial fibrillation with an estimated 270,000 over-65s undiagnosed, around 100,000 hospital admissions per year are due to heart attacks (one every five minutes), and early deaths from heart disease have risen to a 14-year high. Most heart attacks occur in people who had no warning symptoms. Proactive screening identifies modifiable risk factors and structural abnormalities long before symptoms develop, when intervention is most effective.
This 2026 guide explains exactly what each cardiac test does, when it is the right investigation, what the comprehensive heart screening covers, why doctor-performed echocardiography matters more than sonographer-only services, and how The Wellness Heart Health Scan compares with major London competitors.
Speak to a GMC-registered doctor today: WhatsApp +44 7961 280835 | Email team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call 020 3951 3429
Why does heart health screening matter in 2026?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the UK and globally, with the British Heart Foundation reporting that early deaths from heart disease have reached a 14-year high as of 2026. Most heart attacks and many cases of heart failure occur in people who had no warning symptoms before the event. Effective prevention requires proactive screening to identify risk factors and structural abnormalities while they are still reversible or manageable.
The traditional NHS approach focuses on cardiovascular risk assessment through GP-led blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle review (NHS Health Check, available every 5 years to ages 40 to 74), with echocardiogram, ECG, and specialist cardiology assessment reserved for symptomatic patients or those with abnormal screening results. This works well for population-level risk reduction but produces meaningful gaps for asymptomatic patients with elevated genetic risk, athletes, executives, and those wanting more comprehensive baseline assessment than NHS pathways provide.
Five reasons private heart health screening matters in 2026:
1. Early detection of asymptomatic disease. Many cardiac conditions are silent until they become serious. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes) often produces no symptoms before its first event. Aortic stenosis can develop slowly over decades before causing symptoms. Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 270,000 over-65s in the UK undiagnosed (BHF 2026), with stroke risk reduced approximately 70 percent by appropriate anticoagulation once identified. Echocardiogram and 24-hour ECG monitoring detect these conditions before they cause harm.
2. Comprehensive risk assessment beyond NHS basics. NHS cardiovascular risk calculators (QRISK3) use traditional risk factors but miss important information including lipoprotein(a) (genetic cholesterol marker affecting 1 in 5 people, doubles cardiovascular risk), ApoB (more accurate atherosclerosis marker than LDL cholesterol), coronary calcium score (direct measurement of plaque burden), and echocardiographic findings including subtle left ventricular dysfunction and unrecognised valve disease.
3. Family history risk amplification. First-degree family history of premature cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death in a parent under 60) doubles personal risk. Inherited cardiomyopathies including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy require echocardiographic screening from young adulthood. Familial hypercholesterolaemia (affecting approximately 1 in 250 people) benefits from early identification and aggressive lipid management.
4. Pre-exercise screening for athletes and high-intensity exercisers. Sudden cardiac death in young athletes, while rare, is devastating. Pre-participation cardiac screening identifies most cardiac causes before they cause harm. Marathon runners, triathletes, CrossFit athletes, and competitive amateur athletes benefit from baseline echocardiogram and ECG before extreme training loads.
5. Executive and high-pressure career baseline. Demanding careers correlate with elevated cardiovascular risk through chronic stress, sleep disruption, sedentary work patterns, hospitality eating, and delayed self-care. Comprehensive baseline assessment for ages 35 to 55 identifies issues early when lifestyle and pharmaceutical intervention are most effective. The Wellness Executive Body Scan combines comprehensive cardiac assessment with abdominal, pelvic, and metabolic screening for the most thorough single-visit health assessment.
The combination of rising cardiovascular mortality, increasing recognition of silent disease, growing genetic understanding, lifestyle pressures, and NHS capacity constraints has made proactive private heart screening one of the highest-value preventive medicine investments available in 2026.
Which heart tests are available privately in London?
The Online GP by The Wellness offers comprehensive cardiac investigation covering all major non-invasive heart tests at the Marylebone clinic, with referral pathways to partner cardiology and imaging services for specialist tests including stress echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT.
ECG (Electrocardiogram) at The Wellness costs £150:
A 12-lead ECG records the heart's electrical activity from 10 electrodes placed on the chest and limbs over 5 to 10 minutes. ECG detects atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmias, signs of previous silent heart attack, left ventricular hypertrophy patterns, conduction abnormalities including bundle branch blocks, and acute ischaemic changes. Standard component of any cardiac assessment. Results interpreted same-day by GMC-registered doctor.
Echocardiogram at The Wellness costs £295 to £395:
A 20 to 40 minute ultrasound scan of the heart performed by a GMC-registered doctor. The echocardiogram assesses heart chamber sizes, wall thickness (detecting hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy), valve structure and function (detecting stenosis and regurgitation), pumping function (left ventricular ejection fraction, the key heart failure marker), right heart function, and pericardium (detecting effusion). Doppler assessment evaluates blood flow direction and velocity through valves and chambers. Same-day report.
Heart Health Scan at The Wellness costs £495:
The signature comprehensive cardiac screening package combining three complementary investigations in a single 60-minute appointment:
Full transthoracic echocardiogram (heart structure and function)
Bilateral carotid Doppler ultrasound (stroke risk assessment via direct visualisation of the carotid arteries supplying the brain)
Comprehensive cardiac risk blood panel including full lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), ApoB (advanced lipid marker), Lipoprotein(a) (genetic cardiovascular risk marker), HbA1c (diabetes screening), full blood count, kidney function, thyroid function, and cardiac biomarkers
The Heart Health Scan delivers the most thorough non-invasive cardiac assessment available in a single appointment at this price point in London.
Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment at The Wellness costs £695:
The Heart Health Scan plus 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, extended blood panel, and dedicated GP consultation reviewing all results. Suitable for patients with palpitations, intermittent symptoms, or wanting the most complete cardiac assessment.
24-hour ambulatory ECG (Holter monitor) at The Wellness costs £295:
A small ECG recording device fitted at the clinic, worn during normal daily activities and overnight for 24 hours, then returned. Records every heartbeat (approximately 100,000 beats), detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, intermittent ectopic beats, brady-arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and exercise-related rhythm changes that brief in-clinic ECG cannot detect. Particularly important for palpitation symptoms or stroke prevention assessment in over-65s.
Specialist tests via partner referral (where indicated):
Stress echocardiogram (£400 to £600 at partner cardiology centres): Echocardiogram during exercise stress, detecting exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities suggesting coronary disease
Cardiac CT calcium score (£400 to £700 at partner imaging centres): Direct measurement of calcified plaque burden in coronary arteries, the most accurate non-invasive predictor of future cardiac events
Cardiac MRI (£600 to £1,200 at partner imaging centres): Detailed heart muscle assessment without radiation, ideal for cardiomyopathy assessment, myocarditis, and complex congenital cases
CT coronary angiography (CTCA) (£700 to £1,200): Direct visualisation of coronary artery anatomy, used selectively when calcium score or symptoms suggest possible coronary disease
Compare options for your situation: WhatsApp +44 7961 280835 for tailored advice
What is included in the Heart Health Scan at £495?
The Heart Health Scan at £495 is The Online GP by The Wellness signature cardiac screening package, designed to deliver the most comprehensive non-invasive heart assessment available in a single appointment at this price point in London. The scan takes approximately 60 minutes and combines three complementary investigations with same-day report and integrated GP consultation.
Component 1: Full transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)
Performed by a GMC-registered doctor with formal echocardiography training, the echocardiogram is acquired according to British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) minimum dataset standards. The examination includes:
Parasternal long-axis and short-axis views of the left ventricle, right ventricle, and atria
Apical four-chamber, two-chamber, and three-chamber views for comprehensive chamber assessment
Subcostal and suprasternal views for completeness
2D imaging of all four heart valves (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary)
M-mode for precise wall thickness and chamber dimension measurement
Colour Doppler for valve regurgitation and stenosis assessment
Continuous wave and pulsed wave Doppler for valve gradient measurement
Tissue Doppler imaging for diastolic function assessment
Left ventricular ejection fraction measurement (the key heart failure marker)
Aortic root and ascending aorta assessment for aneurysm screening
The echocardiogram identifies left ventricular hypertrophy (often from undiagnosed hypertension), valve disease (aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation), regional wall motion abnormalities (suggesting prior heart attack), diastolic dysfunction (early heart failure pattern), pericardial effusion, right ventricular dysfunction (often from sleep apnoea or pulmonary disease), and structural abnormalities including bicuspid aortic valve.
Component 2: Bilateral carotid Doppler ultrasound
The carotid arteries in the neck are the major arteries supplying the brain. Carotid stenosis (narrowing) caused by atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for stroke, which affects approximately 100,000 UK adults per year (Stroke Association data). Carotid Doppler uses ultrasound and Doppler analysis to:
Visualise the common, internal, and external carotid arteries bilaterally
Measure intima-media thickness (early atherosclerosis marker)
Identify atherosclerotic plaque with characterisation (stable versus unstable)
Quantify any stenosis by Doppler velocity measurements
Assess for vertebral artery disease
Identifying carotid disease early enables lifestyle modification, statin therapy, and where appropriate carotid intervention before stroke occurs. Asymptomatic moderate carotid disease (50 to 70 percent stenosis) typically warrants medical management; severe stenosis (over 70 percent) may warrant surgical assessment.
Component 3: Comprehensive cardiac risk blood panel
A 15-minute blood draw analysed by The Doctors Laboratory (TDL), our accredited UKAS partner laboratory. Results typically available within 24 to 48 hours. The panel includes:
Lipid profile (advanced):
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides (standard)
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) - more accurate atherosclerosis marker than LDL alone
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] - genetic cardiovascular risk marker, elevated in approximately 1 in 5 people, doubles heart attack and stroke risk independent of LDL
Diabetes screening:
HbA1c - 3-month average blood glucose, standard diabetes diagnostic
Fasting glucose where indicated
Cardiac function markers:
NT-proBNP (heart failure marker) where indicated
High-sensitivity troponin in symptomatic patients
General health markers:
Full blood count (anaemia, polycythaemia, white cell abnormalities)
Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR, urea)
Liver function tests
Thyroid function (TSH, fT4)
Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
Vitamin D, B12, folate
Component 4: Doctor consultation and report
The full results are reviewed with a GMC-registered doctor the same day for echo and Doppler findings, and a follow-up consultation when blood results return. The consultation includes:
Detailed explanation of all findings
10-year cardiovascular risk assessment using QRISK3 with advanced lipid markers
Personalised lifestyle recommendations
Pharmacological recommendations where indicated (statins, blood pressure medications, antiplatelets)
Referral to specialist cardiology where indicated
Written report for forwarding to NHS GP, employer occupational health, or insurance
The Heart Health Scan represents exceptional value at £495 because it delivers the most clinically important cardiac investigations (echocardiogram, carotid Doppler, advanced lipid panel) in a single appointment with integrated doctor consultation. Comparable comprehensive screening at major London hospitals typically costs £800 to £2,500.
Book the Heart Health Scan: WhatsApp +44 7961 280835
Who should have a private heart health screening?
Private heart health screening is appropriate for several distinct patient groups, each benefiting from different aspects of comprehensive cardiac assessment.
Adults aged 40 and over with no recent cardiac assessment. The British Heart Foundation recommends comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment from age 40, with NHS Health Checks providing this in basic form every 5 years. Private screening adds depth: detailed echocardiogram, advanced lipid markers, and integrated assessment beyond what NHS Health Checks provide. Particularly important for those who have not had recent cardiac assessment, those with multiple risk factors, and those wanting reassurance.
Family history of premature cardiovascular disease. First-degree relatives (parents, siblings) with heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death before age 60 approximately doubles personal risk. Family history of inherited cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated, or arrhythmogenic) requires specific echocardiographic screening from young adulthood, with cascade screening for affected family members. Family history of familial hypercholesterolaemia warrants early lipid assessment with advanced markers.
Established cardiovascular risk factors. People with hypertension, raised cholesterol (especially with elevated Lp(a)), diabetes or pre-diabetes, central obesity (waist over 40 inches in men, 35 inches in women), smoking history, sedentary lifestyle, or chronic stress benefit from comprehensive baseline assessment. Identifying subclinical disease (early atherosclerosis on carotid Doppler, mild left ventricular hypertrophy on echo) drives more aggressive risk factor management.
Athletes and high-intensity exercisers. Pre-participation cardiac screening for competitive amateur athletes, marathon and ultramarathon runners, triathletes, cyclists, CrossFit athletes, and others engaging in intense regular exercise. The Italian model of universal pre-participation ECG plus echocardiogram screening has reduced sudden cardiac death in young athletes by approximately 89 percent in screened populations. While the UK does not mandate this, private screening provides equivalent assessment for those wanting it.
Patients with cardiac symptoms. Chest pain (after A&E exclusion of acute coronary syndrome), palpitations, breathlessness on exertion, ankle swelling, fatigue out of proportion to activity, light-headedness, or near-fainting episodes all warrant cardiac assessment. Echocardiogram, ECG, and 24-hour monitoring identify structural and rhythm causes of these symptoms.
Patients on long-term medications affecting the heart. Some medications including chemotherapy agents (anthracyclines, trastuzumab), certain ADHD medications at high doses, some psychiatric medications, and others require periodic cardiac monitoring. Echocardiogram baseline before starting these drugs and follow-up screening during treatment identify cardiotoxicity early.
Pre-procedure cardiac assessment. Before elective surgery, particularly in patients with known cardiac disease or risk factors, preoperative cardiac assessment establishes baseline function and identifies issues affecting surgical risk.
Executive and high-pressure career baseline. Senior business professionals, lawyers, doctors, finance professionals, and others in high-stress careers benefit from comprehensive baseline assessment for proactive long-term cardiovascular protection. The Executive Body Scan at £695 combines comprehensive cardiac with abdominal, pelvic, and metabolic screening for the most thorough single-visit assessment.
Pre-pregnancy cardiac assessment for women with cardiac risk factors or family history, ensuring safe pregnancy management.
Post-COVID cardiac assessment for patients with persistent post-COVID symptoms, particularly fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, or chest discomfort. Post-COVID myocarditis, pericarditis, and other cardiac complications are now well-recognised. Echocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers help identify these.
International patients visiting London. Comprehensive single-visit cardiac assessment combined with broader medical evaluation, suitable for international patients wanting thorough London-based health assessment during business or leisure travel. The Wellness multilingual care (English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Dutch) supports international patients particularly well.
How does The Wellness Heart Health Scan compare with London competitors?
The Heart Health Scan at £495 is positioned at the comprehensive doctor-led tier of London cardiac screening, with detailed echocardiography combined with vascular and biochemical assessment, integrated with a fully-fledged private GP service.
London market comparison (verified April 2026):
ProviderHeart screening packagePriceIncludesThe Wellness, MaryleboneHeart Health Scan£495Echo + carotid Doppler + cardiac risk panel + GP consultationVista Health (multiple London)ECHO ScanFrom £225Echo only, sonographer-acquired, cardiologist-reportedHarley Street Cardiac ClinicEchocardiogram£285 (£430 with consultation)Echo only, doctor-performedHeart Clinic LondonHeart Screening Package£695 to £1,295Echo + ECG + cardiologist consultation, varies by packageLondon Cardiovascular ClinicComprehensive screening£750+Cardiologist-led, multiple test optionsHCA Heart Health CheckComprehensive£1,500 to £2,50035 blood tests, echo, ECG, cardiologist consultationKeyhole Heart ClinicConsultant heart assessment£600 to £1,200Bespoke, consultant-ledSt John & St Elizabeth HospitalEchocardiogramFrom £725Hospital setting, consultant cardiologistThe GP Surgery London (Wimbledon)Echocardiogram£220 to £285Sonographer-led, NHS-trainedBupa CentresHeart screening£400 to £900Includes echo, ECG, blood tests
Why The Wellness is positioned the way it is:
The £495 Heart Health Scan delivers comprehensive cardiac investigation comparable in scope to packages costing £700 to £1,500 elsewhere. Three structural advantages drive this value:
1. Doctor-performed echocardiography integrated with consultation. Unlike sonographer-led clinics where the echo and consultation are separate appointments with separate fees, our doctor performs the echo, interprets findings in real-time, integrates carotid findings, and discusses everything in one consultation. This eliminates duplication.
2. Comprehensive scope in single visit. Echo plus carotid Doppler plus advanced lipid panel including ApoB and Lp(a) (often charged separately or omitted at lower-cost clinics) plus cardiac risk panel plus GP consultation in 60 minutes.
3. Marylebone GP integration. Findings flow directly into ongoing private GP care if desired. Risk factors identified in screening are managed through the same clinic. Medication starts can happen same-day. This integration is structurally impossible in standalone cardiac imaging clinics.
Premium hospital cardiac packages at £1,500 to £2,500 add value through dedicated consultant cardiologist consultation (versus GP doctor-performed assessment), more extensive blood panels (HCA includes 35 tests), and more sophisticated facility branding. For most patients seeking comprehensive cardiac screening rather than complex specialist assessment, the Heart Health Scan provides equivalent clinical value at one-third to one-fifth the price.
Standalone echo clinics at £200 to £350 provide cheaper imaging but do not include carotid assessment, blood work, or integrated consultation. For patients with a specific indication for echocardiogram only (e.g., follow-up of known mild valve disease), these can be cost-effective. For comprehensive heart health assessment, the Heart Health Scan provides substantially more clinical value.
What does the heart screening process look like at The Wellness?
The heart health screening process at The Online GP by The Wellness is structured for clinical thoroughness, efficiency, and seamless integration with broader medical care. Six steps cover the complete pathway.
Step 1: Initial enquiry (free). WhatsApp +44 7961 280835, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call 020 3951 3429 with your concern. Our medical team typically responds within 1 to 2 hours during clinic hours and confirms which package is appropriate, the cost, and available appointment times.
Step 2: Pre-appointment preparation. Heart screening requires minimal preparation:
Fasting from midnight before morning appointments for accurate cholesterol and glucose results (water permitted)
Comfortable clothing allowing chest access for echo and ECG
Avoid heavy exercise in the 24 hours before to ensure baseline cardiac measurements
Bring previous cardiac investigations if available for comparison
Bring current medication list including dosages
Step 3: Pre-screening consultation. On arrival at our Marylebone clinic (10 Portman Square, two minutes from Baker Street), the doctor takes a focused history covering:
Cardiac symptoms (chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, syncope, fatigue)
Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lipid history, family history)
Personal medical history (previous cardiac events, surgeries, chronic conditions)
Family history including premature cardiovascular disease, sudden cardiac death, inherited cardiomyopathies
Current medications and any cardiovascular medications previously trialled
Lifestyle factors including exercise patterns, alcohol, stress, sleep
The pre-screening consultation typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and ensures the examination is optimally targeted to your specific situation.
Step 4: Cardiac investigations. Performed in the following sequence:
Resting 12-lead ECG (5 minutes): 10 electrodes placed on chest and limbs, recording heart electrical activity
Blood pressure measurement (validated automated device, multiple readings)
Blood draw (15 minutes): Comprehensive cardiac risk panel sent to TDL laboratory for processing
Transthoracic echocardiogram (30 to 40 minutes): Doctor-performed, BSE-standard examination with same-visit interpretation
Carotid Doppler (15 to 20 minutes): Bilateral common, internal, and external carotid arteries assessed with B-mode, colour Doppler, and pulsed-wave Doppler
Throughout the imaging, the doctor explains findings as they emerge.
Step 5: Findings discussion. Immediately after the imaging, the doctor discusses:
Echocardiogram findings: Chamber sizes, valve function, ejection fraction, any abnormalities
Carotid Doppler findings: Plaque burden, intima-media thickness, any stenosis
ECG findings: Rhythm, conduction, any acute or chronic changes
Provisional cardiovascular risk based on examination and history
Plan for blood test follow-up when results return (24 to 48 hours)
Step 6: Comprehensive written report. A detailed written report is provided same-day for echo, ECG, and Doppler findings, and an updated comprehensive report when blood results return. The report includes:
Patient details and clinical indication
Detailed echocardiogram findings with measurements
Carotid Doppler findings with measurements
ECG interpretation
Blood test results with reference ranges
10-year cardiovascular risk score using QRISK3 incorporating advanced markers
Clinical impression and recommendations
Specific action plan including any medication recommendations, lifestyle modifications, follow-up testing, and specialist referrals
Doctor name, GMC number, and signature
Step 7: Follow-up management. For patients with identified cardiovascular risk or abnormalities:
Same-day prescription writing where indicated (statins, blood pressure medications)
Specialist cardiology referral within 1 to 2 weeks where needed (via partner consultants at major London cardiac centres)
Follow-up screening intervals typically 1 to 5 years depending on risk profile
Ongoing GP relationship for cardiovascular risk management
NHS GP communication with consent, sharing findings to support integrated care
Begin your heart screening: WhatsApp +44 7961 280835
What does an abnormal result mean?
A meaningful proportion of heart screening identifies abnormalities, ranging from minor incidental findings to clinically significant disease requiring intervention. Understanding what different results mean helps frame what to expect and what comes next.
Common findings on echocardiogram:
Trivial or mild valve regurgitation (small leaks of mitral, tricuspid, or aortic valves) is found in a significant proportion of healthy adults and typically requires no treatment, just routine follow-up every 3 to 5 years.
Mild left ventricular hypertrophy (heart muscle thickening) is often the first sign of long-standing untreated hypertension. Identification typically prompts more aggressive blood pressure management with the goal of regression of hypertrophy over 12 to 24 months.
Mildly reduced ejection fraction (heart pumping function 45 to 55 percent versus normal 55 to 70 percent) indicates early heart failure pattern requiring further evaluation, lifestyle changes, and often medication initiation.
Significant valve disease including moderate to severe aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, or significant aortic regurgitation requires specialist cardiology referral for assessment, typically with annual or 6-monthly follow-up echo and consideration of intervention timing.
Cardiomyopathy including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy requires specialist inherited cardiac conditions clinic referral for confirmation, family screening, and management. These conditions affect approximately 1 in 500 to 1 in 2,500 people.
Common findings on ECG:
Sinus arrhythmia (normal heart rate variation with breathing) is universal and benign.
Occasional ectopic beats (premature atrial or ventricular contractions) are common in healthy adults, typically benign, but high-burden ectopy or symptoms warrant 24-hour monitoring.
Atrial fibrillation affects approximately 2 percent of the UK population overall and 10 percent of over-75s. Identification is critical because anticoagulation reduces stroke risk by approximately 70 percent. Patients with newly identified AF require specialist management.
Conduction abnormalities including bundle branch blocks may be normal variants or indicate underlying disease. Right bundle branch block is often benign. Left bundle branch block typically warrants further evaluation.
Q-waves (signs of previous heart attack) on ECG without prior history of recognised heart attack indicate silent myocardial infarction, occurring in approximately 20 percent of all heart attacks. These warrant comprehensive cardiac risk management.
Common findings on carotid Doppler:
Mild atherosclerotic plaque (intima-media thickness above 0.9mm or small plaques without stenosis) indicates early cardiovascular disease requiring aggressive risk factor management with statins, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification.
Moderate carotid stenosis (50 to 70 percent narrowing) typically warrants medical management with high-intensity statin therapy, antiplatelet therapy, and aggressive risk factor control with annual follow-up Doppler.
Severe carotid stenosis (over 70 percent narrowing) warrants specialist vascular surgery referral for assessment of carotid endarterectomy or stenting, particularly if symptomatic.
Common findings on cardiac blood panel:
Elevated LDL cholesterol or ApoB identifies dyslipidaemia warranting lifestyle modification and often statin therapy. Familial hypercholesterolaemia (LDL above 5.0 mmol/L plus family history) requires specific genetic and family management.
Elevated Lipoprotein(a) (above 90 mg/dL or 200 nmol/L) indicates genetic cardiovascular risk in approximately 1 in 5 people. While Lp(a)-lowering treatments are limited, identification warrants more aggressive management of other modifiable risk factors and consideration of emerging Lp(a)-specific therapies including pelacarsen and olpasiran in clinical trials.
Elevated HbA1c indicates pre-diabetes (42 to 47 mmol/mol) or diabetes (above 48 mmol/mol), with cardiovascular risk implications and management requirements.
Elevated NT-proBNP suggests early heart failure, particularly when combined with echo findings of subclinical dysfunction.
The Wellness approach to abnormal findings:
We provide:
Clear, calm explanation of findings in non-medical language
Realistic risk framing without alarmism or under-reassurance
Specific action plans with timeframes
Same-day prescription initiation where indicated
Specialist referral within 1 to 2 weeks for findings requiring it
Ongoing management through our private GP service
Integration with NHS GP for shared care where appropriate
Many findings are manageable through lifestyle and medication with excellent long-term outcomes. The purpose of screening is identification before symptoms or events, when intervention is most effective.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Heart Health Scan appointment take?
The full Heart Health Scan appointment takes approximately 60 to 75 minutes: 10 to 15 minutes for pre-screening consultation, 5 to 10 minutes for ECG, 15 minutes for blood draw, 30 to 40 minutes for echocardiogram and carotid Doppler, and 10 to 15 minutes for findings discussion. Plan for 1.5 hours to allow for arrival and any unforeseen extension.
Can I get same-day results?
Echo, ECG, and carotid Doppler results are provided same-day with verbal discussion immediately after the imaging and a written report within 24 hours. Blood test results from TDL laboratory typically return within 24 to 48 hours, with the comprehensive report finalised once all results are available. Urgent cases can be expedited.
Will my private heart screening be accepted by my NHS GP?
Yes. Reports from clinics with GMC-registered doctors are routinely accepted by NHS GPs and specialists. We can write directly to your NHS GP with your consent, summarising findings and recommendations. This supports integrated care and ensures your full record remains coherent. Many NHS GPs are happy to continue managing risk factors identified in private screening.
Does private medical insurance cover heart screening?
Coverage varies between insurers. Most policies cover cardiac investigation when investigating specific symptoms or known cardiac risk, but routine asymptomatic screening is often excluded as preventive medicine. We provide itemised invoices supporting claims. Pre-authorisation is typically required by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, and Allianz. WhatsApp our team with your insurance details before booking to confirm coverage.
Can children have heart screening?
The Wellness primarily provides adult cardiac screening for ages 16 and over. Paediatric cardiac screening including echocardiogram for children with murmurs, family history of inherited cardiomyopathy, or symptoms is better delivered through specialist paediatric cardiology services. We can arrange referral pathways for paediatric assessment.
How often should I have heart screening?
Frequency depends on individual risk profile. Low-risk asymptomatic patients with normal initial screening typically don't require repeat for 5 years. Patients with identified risk factors or borderline findings may benefit from annual or 2-yearly review. Patients on cardiovascular medications require regular monitoring. Specific recommendations are made based on your individual screening results and risk factors.
Can I have heart screening during pregnancy?
Echocardiogram and ECG are safe in pregnancy. Carotid Doppler is also safe. Blood tests can be taken normally. Pregnancy itself produces some cardiac changes (increased blood volume, modest chamber dilation, altered haemodynamics) which are normal and recognised. Patients with known or suspected cardiac issues planning or during pregnancy benefit from comprehensive baseline assessment with appropriate interpretation of pregnancy-related changes.
What if I'm a healthy young person without symptoms?
Heart screening can still be valuable for healthy young people in specific situations: family history of premature cardiovascular disease, athletic pre-participation screening, anxiety about heart symptoms requiring objective assessment, or pre-pregnancy planning with cardiac risk factors. For asymptomatic young adults without these specific indications, a baseline ECG plus targeted blood markers (lipid profile including Lp(a), HbA1c) often provides sufficient screening without need for echo.
Book your heart health screening today
Heart disease is the leading cause of UK death. British Heart Foundation 2026 data shows early cardiac deaths at a 14-year high, with 7.6 million UK adults living with cardiovascular disease and approximately half of UK adults with high blood pressure undiagnosed. Most heart attacks occur without warning symptoms in people who appeared healthy. Proactive screening identifies treatable risk factors and structural disease before they cause harm.
The Online GP by The Wellness offers comprehensive heart health screening at our Marylebone clinic, with same-day appointments, GMC-registered doctors performing all cardiac imaging, integrated cardiac risk assessment, and seamless connection to broader medical care. The Heart Health Scan at £495 delivers exceptional value compared with the £700 to £2,500 alternatives in central London.
Three ways to book today:
WhatsApp: Message +44 7961 280835 for a same-day reply from our medical team.
Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com for detailed enquiries, insurance pre-authorisation, or international patient queries.
Phone: 020 3951 3429 to speak directly to our team during clinic hours.
The Wellness, 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 6AZ. GMC-registered doctors. Same-day appointments. Doctor-performed cardiac imaging. Comprehensive Heart Health Scan £495. Integrated GP service. Multilingual care in English, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Dutch.
Related guides at The Wellness
Executive Health Screening London 2026
Private Blood Tests London 2026
Private Ultrasound London 2026
Best Private GP London 2026
References and further reading
British Heart Foundation UK heart and circulatory disease statistics 2026
NICE Clinical Guideline NG106 (Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management)
NICE Clinical Guideline NG196 (Atrial fibrillation: diagnosis and management)
NICE Clinical Guideline NG181 (Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification)
European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention 2026
British Society of Echocardiography minimum dataset for transthoracic echocardiography
Royal College of Radiologists guidance on cardiovascular imaging
QRISK3 cardiovascular risk calculator (qrisk.org)
Heart UK guidance on familial hypercholesterolaemia and Lipoprotein(a)
Stroke Association UK statistics
Atrial Fibrillation Association UK guidance
UK National Screening Committee position on cardiovascular screening
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cardiovascular screening should be individualised based on personal and family history, symptoms, and risk factors. The Wellness is a private healthcare clinic with GMC-registered doctors trained in clinical echocardiography. Cardiac risk assessment is integrated with comprehensive medical care. For symptoms suggesting acute cardiac emergency (severe chest pain, sudden severe breathlessness, fainting), call 999 or attend A&E immediately rather than booking screening.
