A private echocardiogram in London gives you a fast, accurate picture of how your heart is working — without a long NHS wait and without a GP referral. Every scan at The Cardiology Doctors is performed personally by Dr Nabila Laskar, a GMC-registered Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Imaging Specialist. You will receive a preliminary explanation on the same day and a full written report shortly after. Patients come to us with chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, suspected heart murmurs, valve concerns or simply for reassurance. Our handheld diagnostic echocardiography delivers the same core information as a hospital cabinet scanner, in a calm, private clinic in Marylebone.
An echocardiogram (often shortened to ‘echo’) is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A small probe is moved gently across the chest and uses harmless sound waves to build a moving picture of the heart’s chambers, walls, valves and the major blood vessels leaving the heart. It is the single most useful, non-invasive test we have to assess the heart’s structure and pumping function. It does not involve any radiation, needles, or dye. There are two main types we offer: a handheld transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) — a compact, modern device that produces excellent diagnostic-quality images — and, where clinically indicated, a full cart-based echocardiogram for advanced measurements such as detailed valve quantification or strain imaging.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and lie on your left side on the examination couch. Dr Laskar applies a small amount of warm ultrasound gel to your chest and moves the probe over several standard windows — beside the breastbone, below the ribs, and at the apex of the heart. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or roll slightly to improve image quality. The scan itself usually takes 15–25 minutes. The probe is painless, only mild pressure is felt, and there are no after-effects. Dr Laskar will talk you through the key findings as the scan proceeds, then sit down with you afterwards to explain what was seen, what it means, and whether any further tests or treatment are recommended.
Plan to be at our Marylebone clinic for around 45 minutes in total. There is no preparation required — you can eat, drink, and take your normal medications as usual. Please wear something easy to remove from the upper body. You will meet Dr Laskar directly (not a sonographer), have the scan, and have the findings explained in plain English the same day. A full written report is sent to you securely, and to your GP if you wish, within a few working days.
A handheld transthoracic echocardiogram typically takes 15–25 minutes of scanning time. Allow around 45 minutes for the full appointment, including time with Dr Laskar to discuss the findings.
No. An echocardiogram is completely painless and non-invasive. You will feel a small amount of warm gel and gentle pressure from the probe on your chest. There are no needles, no radiation, and no after-effects, so you can drive and return to normal activities immediately afterwards.
An echocardiogram can detect problems with the heart’s pumping function (such as heart failure), valve disease (narrowing or leaking), thickened heart muscle, enlarged chambers, fluid around the heart, congenital abnormalities, and signs of strain from high blood pressure. It is the first-line imaging test for almost all suspected structural heart problems.
A private echocardiogram in London typically costs between £350 and £600 depending on the clinic and whether it is a handheld or full cart-based study. At The Cardiology Doctors a consultant-performed handheld TTE is £425, with a full echocardiogram available if clinically required.
No. You can self-refer directly through our online booking. If you would like your results shared with your GP afterwards we are happy to do so with your consent, but you do not need a referral to book.
Yes. Because Dr Laskar performs and reports your scan personally, you will receive a verbal explanation of the key findings on the same day, immediately after the scan. A full written report follows within a few working days.
A handheld echocardiogram uses a modern compact ultrasound device that produces excellent diagnostic-quality 2D, colour and Doppler images — sufficient for the great majority of clinical questions. A full cart-based echocardiogram adds advanced measurements such as detailed valve quantification, 3D imaging and strain analysis. Dr Laskar will recommend a full echo if your clinical question requires it.