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Advanced echocardiogram imaging to evaluate heart structure and function.
There’s been 3% annual growth in the number of echocardiograms performed in the UK, making this ultrasound-based heart test increasingly vital for diagnosing heart conditions. Safe and painless, the procedure provides detailed images of your heart's structure and function.
An Echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging technique revealing details of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Using ultrasound technology, this test creates moving images of your heart to assess its structure, function, and blood flow.
An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan. It uses high-frequency sound waves from a probe to create echoes. The probe picks up echoes and turns them into an image on a monitor. Echocardiograms can be transthoracic or transesophageal and carried out after exercise or at rest.
The most common type, transthoracic echocardiography, involves placing an ultrasound probe on your chest with gel to enhance sound transmission. The probe detects echoes from your heart structures and converts them into real-time images on a monitor, allowing a detailed assessment of heart function.
Before Your Appointment: No special preparation is needed for a standard echocardiogram. Loose clothing is advised so you can easily show your upper body. For stress echocardiograms, avoid large meals beforehand and wear suitable exercise clothing and footwear.
During Your Appointment: You'll remove clothing on your upper body and lie on the bed for a transthoracic echocardiogram. Electrodes will be attached to your chest. The healthcare professional will apply lubricating gel to an ultrasound probe and move it across your chest. You'll lie on your left side as the consultant captures images of your heart.
After Your Appointment: The procedure takes 15-60 minutes. After an Echocardiogram, you should be able to go home immediately. If you have had a sedative for specialised procedures, you should avoid driving for 24 hours.
There are no side effects or pain from this test, and no radiation exposure. Standard echocardiograms are entirely safe with no associated risks. If you have a transesophageal procedure, your throat may feel sore temporarily. During a stress echocardiogram, you may feel dizzy, but medical staff monitor you throughout. Some patients may be unable to use contrast agents due to certain medical conditions or medications.
No recovery time is needed for standard echocardiograms as they are completely non-invasive. You can resume normal activities immediately, including driving and returning to work. For specialised procedures involving sedation, rest for the remainder of the day and arrange transportation home. Any throat discomfort from transesophageal procedures typically resolves within a few hours.
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Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
