Contact number: 020 7806 4080
What is a private echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, moving images of the heart. The scan assesses the size and shape of the heart chambers, how well the heart muscle is contracting, the function of the heart valves, the direction and speed of blood flow, and whether there is any fluid around the heart. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, is completely painless and requires no preparation other than wearing comfortable clothing.
There are several types of echocardiogram heart scans; the most common is a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), in which a probe is placed on the chest wall. A stress echocardiogram assesses the heart during or after exercise. A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) provides more detailed images by placing a probe in the oesophagus, and is used when a TTE does not provide sufficient information. Your consultant will advise which type is appropriate for you.
Who should have a private echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram may be recommended if you:
- Experience chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations or dizziness that has not been explained
- Have been told you have a heart murmur and require further investigation
- Have a known heart condition such as valve disease, cardiomyopathy or heart failure that requires monitoring
- Have a family history of heart disease and want a baseline cardiac assessment
- Are due to have surgery and require a pre-operative cardiac assessment
You will need a referral from a GP or consultant to book an echocardiogram at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
How Much Does A Private Echocardiogram Cost?
from £725*
The cost of private Echocardiogram starts from £725* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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 private echocardiograms in London
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
A private echocardiogram at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £725*. This includes a consultant cardiologist-led scan with results and a full explanation at your appointment. Prices for more specialist types of echocardiogram, such as stress echo or transoesophageal echo, may differ – your consultant will advise.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
Yes. For most tests and scans at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, a referral from a GP or specialist is required. If you do not currently have a referral, please speak to your GP or contact us to discuss your options.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will receive your results and a full explanation from your consultant cardiologist at the same appointment.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms, signs of a previous heart attack and other electrical problems. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to produce moving images of the heart structure and is used to assess the heart valves, chambers and muscle function. Both are non-invasive but provide different types of information. St John & St Elizabeth Hospital offers both tests as part of our Cardiology Clinic.
Yes. An echocardiogram uses sound waves rather than radiation, making it completely safe for the vast majority of patients, including pregnant women. The procedure is painless and non-invasive; a small probe is moved across the chest after gel is applied to the skin.
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.