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Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram utilises high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the heart. This diagnostic tool allows cardiologists to evaluate:
- Heart Chambers: Size, shape, and movement.
- Heart Valves: Functionality and structure.
- Blood Flow: Direction and velocity through the heart.
- Heart Muscle: Thickness and contraction strength.
Echocardiography is instrumental in diagnosing conditions such as heart murmurs, valve diseases, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects. The procedure is painless and safe and typically completed within 30 to 60 minutes.
Echocardiogram at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide private echocardiogram services in a calm and welcoming environment. Our hospital is committed to delivering exceptional standards of care, with highly experienced consultants and advanced diagnostic facilities.
Choosing us for your echocardiogram offers several benefits:
- Expert Cardiologists: Our team of specialists ensures accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans.
- Prompt Appointments: Access to timely testing and results to minimise delays and wait times.
- Convenient Location: Based in St John’s Wood (NW8), we’re easily accessible to patients across London.
- Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to follow-up, we provide continuous support throughout your journey.
We strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, delivering expert care with compassion and professionalism.
How much does a private Echocardiogram cost?
£690
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment.
Doesn’t include your consultant’s fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Echocardiograms
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is situated in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected and vibrant area of North West London, known for landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easily accessible from neighbouring areas, including Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
- By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital. For patients travelling from Hampstead (NW3), Finchley Road station (Jubilee Line) offers a convenient route, while Kilburn (NW6) is similarly well served by the same line.
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
- By Car: If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, use major roads like Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road for a direct approach.
Our hospital’s location in St John’s Wood ensures easy access for patients across London, particularly from the NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
An echocardiogram provides detailed images of your heart, offering insights into its structure and function. It can reveal:
- Heart Chambers: The size, shape, and efficiency of the heart’s pumping action.
- Heart Valves: Whether the valves are opening and closing properly or if there are issues like regurgitation or stenosis.
- Blood Flow: The direction and speed of blood as it moves through the heart.
- Heart Muscle: Thickness, motion, and overall health, helping to detect conditions like cardiomyopathy.
- Fluid Around the Heart: Identifying abnormalities in the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, our cardiologists analyse echocardiograms to diagnose a range of heart conditions and can help develop effective treatment plans for you
An echocardiogram is performed the same way for both men and women and we take the utmost care to maintain your privacy during the exam procedure involves:
- Preparation: You will be asked to remove clothing from the upper body, including your bra and wear a gown.
- Electrode Placement: Small electrodes may be placed on the chest to monitor heart activity.
- Ultrasound Gel: A gel is applied to your chest to enhance sound wave conduction.
- Transducer Use: The technician will move a handheld device (transducer) over your chest to capture images of your heart.
Our team ensures a comfortable and professional environment, respecting your individual needs and preferences at all times. You are also welcome to bring a trusted friend or relative with you if it would make you more comfortable and we can arrange a chaperone if you would like.
A standard echocardiogram typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The duration may vary depending on the complexity of the images needed or the type of echocardiogram being performed, such as a transesophageal or stress echocardiogram.
After the procedure, you can resume normal activities immediately, and your cardiologist will review the results with you promptly.
Once the echocardiogram is complete, our cardiology team will analyse the images to assess your heart’s health and write a full report.
Your referring doctor will discuss the results with you, explaining what we’ve found and what it means for your care moving forward. Whether further tests, treatment, or simply routine monitoring is recommended, we’re here to support you every step of the way.