- Home
- Scans for Women
- Scans for Men
- Msk
- Pregnancy
- Cardiovascular
- About
- Book a Scan
- Blog
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound scan that shows how your heart looks, moves, and pumps blood. At Sonoworld, your echo is performed by a consultant cardiac sonographer in our Harley Street clinic — with a written report typically delivered within 24 hours. We accept self-referrals and medical insurance.
Location: 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, London W1G 7DB • Directions & transport
An echocardiogram (often called an "echo") uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time moving images of your heart. It helps clinicians assess how the heart looks, how it moves, and how blood flows through the chambers and valves.
If you're mainly worried about leg swelling or possible clots, you may need a DVT ultrasound instead. If your concern is about heart rhythm rather than heart structure, an ECG or Holter monitor may be more appropriate. Not sure? Call us and we'll guide you to the right test.
Every echocardiogram at Sonoworld is performed by a consultant cardiac sonographer or reporting sonographer with specialist training in cardiac ultrasound. Our team brings over 20 years of combined NHS and private cardiac imaging experience to every scan.
Read more about our team and credentials on the meet the team page. For information about our clinical governance and CQC registration, see our governance page.
Most people book privately because they want reassurance or faster answers than the NHS pathway can provide. An echocardiogram is used to investigate symptoms, assess a known diagnosis, or provide a cardiac baseline before exercise programmes or surgery.
If you have severe chest pain, severe breathlessness at rest, or feel acutely unwell, seek urgent medical care (A&E or call 999). A private scan is for assessment and clarification — not emergency treatment.
Echocardiography is the first-line imaging test for many cardiac conditions. If you have been told you have one of the conditions below, an echo is likely part of your ongoing monitoring plan.
Echo is the primary test for assessing valve stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (leakage). It measures the severity grade and helps cardiologists decide whether to monitor, treat medically, or refer for surgical repair or replacement.
Echo measures ejection fraction (EF) — the percentage of blood pumped out with each heartbeat. A normal EF is typically 55–70%. Below 40% suggests reduced pumping function. Serial echocardiograms track whether heart failure treatment is working.
While AF is diagnosed by ECG or Holter monitor, an echo is often requested alongside to check for underlying structural causes — enlarged left atrium, valve disease, or impaired ventricular function.
Long-standing high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to thicken (left ventricular hypertrophy). Echo detects and measures this thickening, which influences treatment decisions.
Echo can identify fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) and assess whether it is affecting cardiac function — a condition called cardiac tamponade, which requires urgent attention.
Some structural heart differences (such as bicuspid aortic valve or atrial septal defect) are first detected on echo in adulthood. Periodic monitoring helps determine whether intervention is needed.
We keep the process simple and respectful. You'll be guided step-by-step, with time to ask questions. For a general overview of all our appointments, see what to expect at a private ultrasound appointment.
We confirm your details, symptoms, medications, and any relevant history. If you have prior ECG, Holter, or echo reports, bring them — they help the sonographer focus the assessment.
You undress from the waist up and lie on your left side on the couch. Ultrasound gel is applied and the probe is placed on your chest in several positions to capture views of the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow. You may be asked to breathe in, breathe out, or hold your breath briefly.
After the scan, the sonographer will share initial observations in plain English. This is not a formal report but gives you an immediate sense of whether anything concerning has been seen.
Your formal written report — including measurements, Doppler findings, and clinical interpretation — is typically delivered within 24 hours. The report includes clear next-step guidance: reassurance, GP follow-up recommendation, or specialist cardiology referral if needed. We can send a copy directly to your GP or referring clinician.
Need to coordinate with your insurer? See the insurance section below.
These three tests answer different questions about your heart. They are often complementary — your clinician may recommend more than one. If you're unsure which test is right for your symptoms, our heart monitoring tests guide explains the decision in detail.
| Test | What it assesses | Best for | Duration | At Sonoworld |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echocardiogram (echo) | Heart structure, valve function, pumping strength, blood flow | Murmur investigation, breathlessness, heart failure monitoring, pre-operative clearance | 30–45 min | Book echo |
| ECG (electrocardiogram) | Heart rhythm and electrical conduction | Palpitations, chest pain screening, atrial fibrillation detection, baseline rhythm check | 5–10 min | Book ECG |
| Holter monitor | Continuous heart rhythm over 24–72 hours | Intermittent palpitations, dizzy spells, suspected paroxysmal AF | 24–72 hrs (worn at home) | Book Holter |
| Cardiac MRI | Detailed tissue characterisation, scar mapping, complex anatomy | Cardiomyopathy sub-typing, post-heart attack scar assessment, complex congenital disease | 45–90 min | Not offered — we refer when clinically indicated |
| CT coronary angiography | Coronary artery blockages and calcium scoring | Chest pain with suspected coronary artery disease | 15–30 min | Not offered — we refer when clinically indicated |
For a broader comparison of imaging modalities, see our guide to ultrasound vs MRI vs CT. If your concern is about circulation in your legs, neck, or aorta (rather than the heart itself), explore our vascular ultrasound scans.
There are several types of echocardiogram. Sonoworld offers the most commonly requested type — the standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). If your clinician has requested a different type, let us know when booking.
The standard echo. A probe is placed on the outside of the chest. Non-invasive, no sedation, no fasting required. This is the type most patients need and the type we perform in clinic.
Combines echocardiography with exercise or medication-induced stress to assess how the heart performs under exertion. Used when coronary artery disease or exercise-induced ischaemia is suspected. If your clinician requests a stress echo, we can refer you to an appropriate facility.
A small ultrasound probe is passed into the oesophagus (food pipe) to get closer images of the heart — particularly the back of the heart and the valves. Requires sedation and is performed in a hospital setting. If your cardiologist has requested a TOE, we can help arrange referral.
For a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, there is usually no special preparation. You don't need to fast, and you can eat, drink, and take your usual medications normally. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove from the upper body.
Stress echocardiograms and transoesophageal echocardiograms have different preparation requirements — these are not performed at Sonoworld but we can advise if your clinician has requested one. For general preparation guidance, see how to prepare for an ultrasound scan. For information about ultrasound safety, see is ultrasound safe?
You can book directly without a GP referral — most of our echocardiogram patients self-refer. If you are using private medical insurance, we can usually accommodate that too.
Confirm an echocardiogram is covered and whether you need a referral letter or authorisation code from your insurer.
Use online booking or call us. Provide your insurer details and authorisation code (if required).
Written findings and next-step guidance — delivered to you and (with your consent) to your referring clinician within 24 hours.
Are you a GP or referring clinician? See our clinician referral pathways page for direct referral information and report turnaround details.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 020 3633 4902 or message us.
Direct answers to the questions patients ask before and after booking.
A private echocardiogram is designed for assessment, monitoring, and reassurance — not for emergencies. If you experience any of the following, go to A&E or call 999 immediately:
If you have milder or intermittent symptoms and are unsure whether they warrant an urgent assessment or a private scan, call us on 020 3633 4902 and we will help you decide the most appropriate next step.
Sonoworld is located at 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, London W1G 7DB — just off Harley Street. Many patients choose us for speed, discretion, and an easy central London visit.
Phone: 020 3633 4902 • Email: info@sonoworld.co.uk
Same-day appointments, consultant cardiac sonographers, and a written report within 24 hours — whether you're self-referring or using insurance.
Prefer to speak to someone first? Call 020 3633 4902 or email info@sonoworld.co.uk.
Tap to Call