A private echocardiogram at Victoria Medical in Victoria, London SW1V is a non-invasive ultrasound scan of the heart performed and reported by a consultant cardiologist. It assesses heart structure, valve function, and cardiac performance. Same-day appointments are available and no GP referral is required.
An echocardiogram — commonly called an 'echo' or heart scan — is an ultrasound examination of the heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the heart's chambers, valves, walls, and major blood vessels. Unlike a standard ECG, which records electrical activity, an echocardiogram provides direct visual information about the heart's structure and mechanical function.
At Victoria Medical, echocardiography is performed by our consultant cardiologist using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. The scan is reported immediately, and the findings are discussed with you at the appointment. A formal written report is provided on the same day.
Echocardiograms are available as a standalone investigation or as part of a cardiology consultation. Same-day and next-day appointments are available at 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Victoria SW1V 1DX.
Written & reviewed by
Dr George XynopoulosMD, MRCP, FACC — Consultant Cardiologist & Founder, Victoria Medical
View full profileWhat an Echocardiogram Assesses
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) provides a comprehensive assessment of cardiac anatomy and function. It is the most important non-invasive cardiac investigation available and provides information that cannot be obtained from an ECG, blood tests, or chest X-ray alone.
| Structure / Function | What the Echo Assesses |
|---|---|
| Left ventricular function | Ejection fraction (EF), wall motion, systolic and diastolic function |
| Right ventricular function | Size, function, and pressure estimation |
| Heart valves | Aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves — stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse |
| Pericardium | Pericardial effusion, pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis |
| Aortic root | Aortic root diameter, aortic aneurysm screening |
| Cardiac chambers | Chamber dimensions, hypertrophy, dilatation |
| Congenital abnormalities | Atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD) |
| Cardiac masses | Thrombus, vegetation, tumour (myxoma) |
When Is an Echocardiogram Needed?
An echocardiogram is indicated for a wide range of cardiac symptoms and clinical findings. It is frequently requested following an abnormal ECG, after a cardiology consultation, or as part of a pre-operative cardiac assessment.
- Heart murmur — to assess valve function and determine clinical significance
- Palpitations — to exclude structural causes of arrhythmia
- Chest pain — to assess left ventricular function and exclude structural pathology
- Breathlessness — to assess for heart failure, valve disease, or pulmonary hypertension
- Abnormal ECG — left ventricular hypertrophy, bundle branch block, Q waves
- Hypertension — to assess for hypertensive heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy
- Atrial fibrillation — to assess left atrial size and left ventricular function
- Known heart failure — monitoring of ejection fraction and treatment response
- Known valve disease — surveillance and monitoring
- Family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death — screening
- Pre-operative cardiac assessment
What to Expect During an Echocardiogram
A transthoracic echocardiogram is a non-invasive, painless procedure. No preparation is required — you do not need to fast or change your medications before the scan.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the upper body and lie on an examination couch. Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest to record a simultaneous ECG trace. A small amount of gel is applied to the chest, and the sonographer or cardiologist moves a handheld probe (transducer) across the chest wall to obtain images from different angles.
The scan typically takes 30–45 minutes. The cardiologist will review the images in real time and discuss the findings with you immediately after the scan. A formal written report is provided on the same day.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preparation | No fasting required. Continue all medications as normal |
| Duration | 30–45 minutes |
| Procedure | Non-invasive. Gel applied to chest. Probe moved across chest wall |
| Immediate results | Cardiologist discusses findings at appointment |
| Written report | Provided on the same day |
Echocardiogram vs ECG: What Is the Difference?
An ECG (electrocardiogram) and an echocardiogram are complementary investigations that provide different types of information about the heart. They are not interchangeable.
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and signs of ischaemia. It is a rapid, inexpensive investigation that is performed as part of every cardiology consultation at Victoria Medical.
An echocardiogram provides structural and functional information — the size and shape of the heart chambers, the movement of the heart walls, and the function of the valves. It answers the question 'what does the heart look like and how well is it pumping?' rather than 'what is the electrical activity of the heart?'
| Feature | ECG | Echocardiogram |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Electrical activity | Structure and mechanical function |
| Duration | 5 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| Information provided | Rhythm, conduction, ischaemia | Chamber size, valve function, ejection fraction |
| Included in consultation | Yes | Separate investigation |
| Radiation | None | None (ultrasound) |
Echocardiogram Pricing
Echocardiogram fees at Victoria Medical are transparent and published in full. The consultant cardiologist report is included in the scan price.
Prices shown are indicative. All fees are confirmed at the time of booking. Consultant cardiologist report included. We accept all major credit and debit cards and provide itemised invoices for insurance claims.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Transthoracic Echocardiogram (standalone) | From £295 |
| Echocardiogram + Cardiology Consultation | From £495 |
| Follow-up Cardiology Consultation (to review echo) | From £175 |
How to Book Your Private Echocardiogram
Echocardiograms can be booked as a standalone investigation or as part of a cardiology consultation. If you have not yet seen a cardiologist and are unsure whether an echocardiogram is the right investigation for your symptoms, we recommend booking a cardiology consultation first.
Use our online booking system to view real-time availability and select a convenient time. The clinic is at 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1DX — two minutes from Victoria Station.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Book Your Echocardiogram
No GP referral required. Book online or by phone. The scan usually takes 30–45 minutes and no special preparation is needed.
Arrive at Victoria Medical
Our cardiac imaging suite is at 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road. You will be asked to undress to the waist and lie on the examination couch.
The Scan
A sonographer applies gel to your chest and uses a handheld probe to capture real-time images of your heart. The procedure is painless.
Preliminary Results
The sonographer will explain what they have observed. A full written report is prepared by a cardiologist.
Receive Your Report
A detailed cardiologist report is available within 24–48 hours. A follow-up consultation can be arranged to discuss findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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