Private Echocardiogram: Heart Ultrasound Scan in Peterborough, Corby and London
Consultant-led heart ultrasound with a clear written report
Arrange a private echocardiogram with Consultant Cardiologist Dr Salam Salloum (GMC 5209498), who holds British, European and American board certifications in echocardiography.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows how well the heart pumps, how the valves work and whether the chambers are the normal size. It is painless and uses no radiation.
Available at The Hamptons Hospital in Peterborough, Innovate Diagnostics in Corby, and in London. You can self-refer without a GP letter. Your written report is reviewed and signed by the consultant who performs the scan.
Price on enquiry
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often called an echo, is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A small probe placed on the chest sends out high-frequency sound waves and records the echoes to build moving pictures of the heart. The standard test is called a transthoracic echocardiogram because the probe stays on the outside of the chest.
It does not use X-rays or ionising radiation, needs no needles and can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
Why might you need an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is one of the most useful first tests in cardiology. It is commonly arranged for:
- Breathlessness, ankle swelling or reduced exercise tolerance, where heart failure is a possibility
- A heart murmur heard by a doctor
- Palpitations, an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation
- Chest pain or a previous heart attack
- Known heart valve disease, to monitor changes over time
- High blood pressure, to look for effects on the heart muscle
- An abnormal ECG or blood test result
- A family history of an inherited heart condition
- Monitoring of the heart during or after some cancer treatments
If a blood test called NT-proBNP is raised, NICE guideline NG106 on chronic heart failure advises a specialist assessment and echocardiogram, within 2 weeks if the level is very high and within 6 weeks if it is moderately raised.
What does the scan show?
A standard echocardiogram assesses:
- The size of the heart chambers and the thickness of the heart muscle
- The pumping strength of the left ventricle, usually reported as the ejection fraction (the proportion of blood pumped out with each beat)
- Right ventricle function
- How well each heart valve opens and closes, including any narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation)
- An estimate of the pressure in the lungs’ blood vessels
- The size of the aorta close to the heart
- Any fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
What happens during the appointment?
You undress to the waist and lie on your left side on a couch. Three small ECG stickers are placed on your chest so the heart rhythm is recorded with the images. Gel is applied and the probe is moved across the chest while you breathe normally, and occasionally hold your breath for a few seconds.
The scan itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can eat, drink and take your medicines as normal, and you can drive and go back to your usual activities straight afterwards.
How to prepare
- Wear a loose two-piece outfit that is easy to change.
- There is no need to fast or stop your medicines.
- Bring a list of your medicines and any earlier echo, ECG or hospital letters.
- Tell us in advance if you have a pacemaker, a recent illness, or any difficulty lying flat.
Your report and results
Dr Salloum reviews the images and produces a written report with measurements and an interpretation in plain language. If the scan finds something that needs action, he explains the result and the next steps, such as treatment, monitoring or a further test.
You can discuss your results in a face-to-face consultation, a video consultation or a telephone consultation. Already have an echo report from elsewhere? A cardiac investigations review can give a second opinion.
Further reading: NHS: echocardiogram; British Heart Foundation: echocardiogram; NICE guideline NG106 on chronic heart failure.
What an echocardiogram cannot show
- Image quality can be reduced by lung disease, body build or the shape of the chest. In some people contrast or a different test gives clearer pictures.
- A standard echo does not show the coronary arteries directly. If narrowing of the coronary arteries is suspected, an exercise stress echo or a CT coronary angiogram may be more suitable.
- A normal echo is reassuring about the heart structure and pumping function but does not rule out every heart rhythm problem. A heart rhythm monitor may be advised for palpitations or blackouts.
Cost and booking
The cost of an echocardiogram depends on the type of scan needed. Please contact us for a fee, and we will confirm the total cost before you book. A consultation, if you also want to discuss your results or symptoms, is charged separately. Dr Salloum is recognised by several major insurers; please check your cover with your insurer before booking.
Where you can have the scan:
- Peterborough: The Hamptons Hospital, Cygnet Business Park, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FD
- Corby: Innovate Diagnostics, Corby Innovation Hub, Bangrave Road South, Weldon, Corby NN17 1NN
- London: The National Heart Clinic, 69 Harley Street, London W1G 8QW
Related services
Important limitations
- An echocardiogram is a planned outpatient test. It is not suitable for urgent symptoms.
- The test shows the heart at rest at one moment in time and must be interpreted with your symptoms and examination.
- Your result may lead to a recommendation for other tests or treatment.
If you develop severe or persistent chest pain, marked breathlessness, collapse or another potentially life-threatening symptom, call 999 or attend the nearest emergency department.
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Echocardiogram FAQs
Where can I have an echocardiogram?
Echocardiograms are available at The Hamptons Hospital in Peterborough, at Innovate Diagnostics in Corby, and in London. Choose the location that suits you when you book.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the size and pumping strength of the heart chambers, how the valves work and whether there is any fluid around the heart. It uses sound waves, not radiation.
Is an echocardiogram painful?
No. A probe with gel is moved over your chest. You may feel mild pressure from the probe. The scan is not painful and there are no needles.
How long does an echocardiogram take?
The scan usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Allow about an hour for the whole appointment, including changing and a short discussion.
Do I need to prepare for an echocardiogram?
No fasting is needed and you should take your medicines as normal. Wear a loose two-piece outfit and bring a list of your medicines and any previous reports.
Do I need a GP referral for a private echocardiogram?
No. Self-funded patients can normally book without a GP referral. If you are using private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, because some require a referral or pre-authorisation.
How much does a private echocardiogram cost?
Price on enquiry. Please contact us for a fee, and we will confirm the total cost, which includes the scan and a written report, before you book. A consultation to discuss the results is charged separately.
What is the difference between an echocardiogram and an ECG?
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart through stickers on the skin, and mainly shows heart rhythm. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to take moving pictures of the heart, showing its structure and pumping function. They answer different questions and are often used together.
What is the difference between an echocardiogram and a stress echo?
A standard echo is performed at rest. An exercise stress echo repeats the scan after exercise to see how the heart and valves respond to effort. It is used to look for reduced blood supply to the heart muscle or to assess how a valve problem behaves on exertion.
When will I get my report?
The written report is produced by the consultant who performed the scan. We will tell you the expected timescale when you book.