An echocardiogram — commonly called a heart echo or cardiac echo — is an ultrasound scan of the heart that provides detailed real-time images of its structure and function. It is one of the most important diagnostic tools in cardiology, allowing assessment of the heart's pumping action, valve function, chamber sizes, and surrounding structures without radiation or invasive procedures.
What Does an Echocardiogram Show?
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) provides information about left ventricular function (how effectively the main pumping chamber contracts and relaxes), right ventricular size and function, cardiac valve structure and function (identifying stenosis — narrowing — or regurgitation — leaking), the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), and the aortic root.
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) — the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat — is a key measure of cardiac function. Normal LVEF is 55–70%. Reduced LVEF is a feature of heart failure and cardiomyopathy and guides treatment decisions. Preserved LVEF with symptoms of heart failure (HFpEF) is increasingly recognised and also assessed by echocardiography.
Valve abnormalities detectable on echocardiography include aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve, the most common valve disease in older adults), aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation (a leaking mitral valve, frequently causing a murmur), and tricuspid regurgitation. Doppler measurements during the echo allow quantification of the severity of these abnormalities.
When Is an Echocardiogram Needed?
An echocardiogram is typically requested to investigate breathlessness, particularly if cardiac causes are suspected; to assess a heart murmur detected on clinical examination; to monitor known cardiac conditions including cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or valvular disease; to investigate palpitations when arrhythmia is suspected; to assess the heart following a heart attack; and to screen patients with certain systemic conditions known to affect the heart (including connective tissue diseases, amyloidosis, and haemochromatosis).
In the context of private general health screening, an echocardiogram is particularly valuable for patients with a family history of cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in particular), those who are competitive athletes (screening for conditions increasing sudden cardiac death risk), and those with new or unexplained breathlessness.
An echocardiogram is not a routine screening test for all adults, and is most informative when ordered for a specific clinical indication. A private GP consultation at The Vesey (from £90) can assess whether echocardiography is clinically appropriate for your situation.
What Happens During an Echocardiogram?
A transthoracic echocardiogram takes approximately 30–45 minutes. You will be asked to undress to the waist and lie on an examination couch. The sonographer or cardiologist applies ultrasound gel to your chest and moves the probe (transducer) across the chest wall in several positions to obtain multiple views of the heart.
You may be asked to roll onto your left side (left lateral position) to bring the heart closer to the chest wall. ECG leads are typically attached to monitor heart rhythm simultaneously. The procedure is painless and involves no radiation. Some patients find it slightly uncomfortable if the probe needs to be pressed firmly to obtain views through rib spaces.
In some patients, particularly those with poor acoustic windows (due to body habitus, lung disease, or chest deformity), image quality may be limited. Contrast echocardiography — using a microbubble injection to improve image quality — may be used in these cases.
Private Echocardiogram in Birmingham
Private echocardiography in Birmingham is available through The Vesey's cardiology network with appointments typically available within days. A cardiologist or trained cardiac sonographer performs the scan; a written report is available within 24–72 hours.
Private echo costs in Birmingham range from approximately £350–£600 depending on whether the scan is performed by a cardiologist or sonographer and whether a consultation is included. The Vesey can coordinate both the echocardiogram and a cardiology consultation to review results in the same appointment where appropriate.
For patients with health insurance, echocardiography is typically covered when ordered for a clinical indication with a relevant referral letter. Our team can provide the necessary documentation and liaise with your insurer to facilitate pre-authorisation.
Book a Specialist — from £260
CQC-regulated · Rated 4.88/5 on Doctify · Open 7 days 8am–8pm · Sutton Coldfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an echocardiogram the same as a cardiac MRI?
No. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound and is the first-line investigation for most cardiac conditions. Cardiac MRI (CMR) provides more detailed tissue characterisation and is used for specific indications including cardiomyopathy assessment and viability testing.
Does an echocardiogram require preparation?
No specific preparation is required for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. Continue taking all medications as normal unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Can an echocardiogram detect a blocked artery?
A standard resting echo does not directly image the coronary arteries. However, regional wall motion abnormalities on echo can suggest significant coronary disease. CT coronary angiography or stress echocardiography is used when coronary artery disease is the primary concern.
How much does a private echocardiogram cost in Birmingham?
Private echocardiography in Birmingham costs approximately £350–£600. The Vesey can coordinate private cardiology referrals and echo appointments.
An echocardiogram provides the most detailed non-invasive assessment of heart structure and function available. Private cardiology consultations and echocardiography referrals are available through The Vesey in Birmingham. Cardiology appointments from £260 — call 0121 387 3727.