Private Echocardiogram (Heart Scan) – £330
- Free Preliminary Assessment
- Available At Multiple Locations
- All Private Insurances Accepted
- Same-Day Appointments Available
- All Tests Done In One Session
FAQs About Echocardiogram
Usually, Echo tests take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Approximately five minutes of this is spent fixing your position and preparing for the test.
An Echocardiogram is a device that, through ultrasound waves generated by a probe, visualises the heart structure by taking pictures of muscle, valves, and chambers of the heart. Through echo scanning, your cardiologist checks the heart size, its function and ability to contract, the flow across the valves. Moreover, an Echocardiogram also detects heart conditions, such as:
- Coronary Artery Disease or blocked arteries, caused by a previous or recent heart attack.
- Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that could be dilated, weak, or hypertrophic, which means thicker.
- Endocarditis, which is an infection in the valves and sometimes is followed by a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram which is more accurate.
- Fluid buildup around the heart, which is called pericardial effusion, usually due to an infection or secondary to cancer.
You may have names such as Heart Scan, Heart Echo, Heart Ultrasound, or Heart Echo Scan.
An echo heart scan helps your cardiac physiologist detect structural and functional heart abnormalities. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent disease progression and further complications, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting or swollen legs.
There are multiple other reasons echocardiograms may be done, including:
· If something concerning is picked up during a physical examination, for example, a heart murmur or irregular heartbeat.
· The results of a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) test are abnormal.
· If there is a history of heart disease.
· Monitoring already diagnosed heart diseases or other heart conditions.
· Assessing damage to the heart done by high blood pressure.
· Investigating cardiac causes of stroke
· Assessing whether medical treatment for heart failure is working effectively.
Echocardiograms are used to assess the size, structure and function of your heart. Echoes analyse how the blood flows inside your heart’s chambers and valves and assess the overall functionality of your heart. Echocardiograms are mainly used to diagnose or monitor heart conditions, heart diseases or infections of the valves, the heart muscle or the pericardium, the layer around the heart. They allow a cardiologist or other physician to examine an array of symptoms and conditions and make a diagnosis.
Echo tests are most commonly used for:
· Assessing the function and strength of the heart.
· Checking for any problems with the valves or chambers of the heart.
· Assessing the heart’s size.
· Measuring the size, thickness and movement of the walls of the heart.
· Checking that blood isn’t leaking backwards through the heart’s valves (known as regurgitation) or there is an obstruction to the blood flow ( known as stenosis)
· Identifying any damage that occurred as a result of a heart attack.
· Detecting or investigating heart failure or congenital heart defects.
· Identifying different types of heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, heart valve disease and cardiomyopathy.
· Detecting or investigating heart infections, including pericarditis, endocarditis and myocarditis
· Investigating other heart conditions, such as dilated, hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
· Detecting or assessing an aneurysm or embolism and determining if they are at risk of rupturing.
· Detecting or assessing cardiac tumours or other growths.
· Investigating any potential blood clots inside the heart’s chambers
An echocardiogram test is a non-invasive procedure that takes high-resolution images of the heart using ultrasonic technology. A sonographer conducts the test by applying gel to the patient’s chest and transmitting high-frequency sound waves through the chest wall with a transducer. Echoes produced by these sound waves are then utilised to produce images of the heart. The exam is painless and does not use contrast materials or ionizing radiation.
An echocardiogram’s capacity to present precise images of the heart and its architecture is one of its key advantages. This makes it possible to accurately identify and track heart diseases and assess how well therapies work. Also, it can be used to evaluate the heart’s performance and blood flow, giving clinicians crucial data for making well-informed choices on patient care.
A range of heart ailments, including issues with the heart valves, issues with the heart muscle, and congenital heart defects, are frequently diagnosed and monitored using an echocardiogram. It can also be used to assess how well heart disease therapies are working. An echocardiogram, for instance, can be used to evaluate the success of heart valve surgery or to track the development of heart failure.
It helps identify and track issues with the heart’s valves, heart muscle, and congenital heart defects and to assess how well medications are working to treat heart disease.
You’ll be asked to wear a hospital gown and lie straight on the bed. Electrodes will be positioned on your chest to track the rhythm and beat of your heart.
The technician or cardiologist will then use a transducer, a portable instrument that transmits and receives sound waves, to apply conductive gel to your chest. We’ll use these waves to create photos of your heart. You might be asked to hold your breath for some time to get the best photographs.
The heart chambers and valves’ size, form, and operation are examined with echocardiography. Any indications of anomalies, including cardiac muscle issues, heart valve shortages, or cardiovascular illnesses are carefully monitored.
The technician or cardiologist will evaluate the photos after the examination and measure your heart. They will then go through the findings with you and give your referring doctor a report.
You can eat and drink normally before the exam, unless a particular kind of echocardiography is being done that needs to restrict diet. Also, ensure letting your cardiologist know whether you’re currently taking any medication.
The test is available through private cardiology clinics and mobile services, which charge a fee but provide shorter wait periods and more flexible scheduling possibilities. Be sure a private clinic or mobile service you choose to use is completely accredited and employs sonographers with relevant expertise. This will guarantee that you get the best possible care and reliable outcomes. Also, it’s critical to confirm that the service adheres to all safety regulations and is registered with the right regulatory agencies.
One advantage of going with a private clinic or mobile service for people with hectic schedules is that they could provide more flexible appointment alternatives. The most recent equipment is also available in some private clinics, which can provide a more in-depth look of the heart and its structural components. Overall, an echocardiogram, commonly referred to as a heart echo scan, is a crucial tool in the detection and treatment of cardiac disease. It’s a painless, secure, and reliable approach to assessing your heart’s health.
What Our Patients Say
Google Reviews
Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding consultation with Dr. Francesco Lo Monaco. He was incredibly kind, professional, and took a truly holistic approach to the presented situation. The appointment was arranged very quickly, and the entire process through telemedicine was smooth, efficient, and convenient. His explanations were clear, thoughtful, and genuinely reassuring. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a top-level cardiologist who combines expertise with genuine care!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional & 1st class medical consultation with a caring and warm manner. I am overwhelmed at the life saving intervention. Of Dr Monaco.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highest level of professionalism and competence, extremely pleasant experience from a top expert in the field. It is a pleasure and genuine luck to be visited by Dr Lo Monaco. Could not recommend enough. Grazie mille ed a presto!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and attentive to his patients. Very knowledgeable and also very friendly. I highly recommend Dr.Lo MonacoPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a pleasure meeting Dr Lo Monaco and from the initial consultation, tests, and subsequent follow up, Dr Lo Monaco and his team were excellent, dealing with me and my health concerns in a both a professional and friendly manner. I would highly recommend Dr Lo Monaco for any heart health concerns.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly and welcoming consultation both by Dr Lo Monaco, the team which carried out my tests, and his admin staff who dealt with my booking and arrangement. Very thorough set of tests.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service. Very reassuringPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Lo Monaco has a very comprehensive approach to identifying the diagnosis and he makes sure to inquire about a range of health issues that might affect the diagnosis and the treatment. Dr Lo Monaco and his team are also very helpful in arranging all the required tests, that are provided by third parties.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with Dr. Lo Monaco. He is a lovely, kind gentleman who is expert on his area. My experience has been smooth, he has given deep thought on every possibility, eliminated all conditions one by one and ensured everything was alright. Doing that, he explained every step in detail without leaving any question mark behind. I definitely recommend him.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Dr. Lo Monaco via a google search for private cardiologists in London. Dr. Lo Monaco during my first consultation was very thorough and to the point which is what I needed after suffering a HA at only 34yrs old and was dealing with a lot of anxiety surrounding the unexpected episode. He gave me the reassurance I needed and advised me on the next steps to take and I did not hesitate. Since seeing Dr. Lo Monaco and taking on the advice given with tests to do, I have had more of a peace of mind and feel reassured with what NHS are doing too alongside. I will continue my added care with Lo Monaco and I highly recommend him to others. Special mention to his PA team too especially Stefan who is very prompt and attentive.