Get fast access to an echocardiogram, a painless test that uses sound waves to capture pictures of the inside of your heart
If you’ve been referred for an echocardiogram (echo) or want to arrange one privately, Circle Reading Hospital offers rapid access to accurate cardiac imaging in a calm and reassuring environment.
As part of Circle Health Group, the hospital provides advanced diagnostic facilities and experienced consultant cardiologists who specialise in assessing heart function, structure, and overall cardiovascular health.
Whether your echocardiogram is part of a routine check-up, investigation for symptoms, or follow-up after treatment, our expert team ensures you receive clear results and guidance every step of the way.
An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. It allows doctors to see how well your heart and its valves are working in real time.
During the test, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on your chest. It sends sound waves through your body that bounce back from your heart, creating moving images on a screen.
Echocardiograms are commonly used to:
This scan is one of the most widely used and trusted methods for evaluating heart function — helping doctors detect conditions early and guide the best course of treatment.
At Circle Reading Hospital, echocardiograms are performed by specialist cardiac physiologists and consultant cardiologists using state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment for the highest quality imaging and precision.
An echocardiogram is a painless and non-invasive procedure with no side effects and no recovery period. Here’s what to expect when you come in for your echo:
You’ll be asked to remove clothing from your upper body and provided with a gown to maintain your modesty. Female patients can request a female technician or chaperone if preferred.
You’ll lie on your left side on an examination couch. This position helps bring the heart closer to the chest wall for clearer imaging.
The clinician will apply a special gel to your chest, allowing the ultrasound transducer to move smoothly across the skin. The scan usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Once complete, the gel is wiped away, and you can resume normal activities immediately. There’s no recovery time needed.
At Circle Reading Hospital, all echocardiograms are conducted with utmost discretion and professionalism to ensure every patient feels comfortable and supported during the procedure.
An echocardiogram for women is performed in exactly the same way as for men, using ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the heart.
For some women, especially those with breast implants or dense breast tissue, the technician may need to adjust the position of the transducer slightly to capture optimal images. The sonographer or cardiac physiologist will take additional care to ensure comfort, privacy, and sensitivity throughout the process.
An echocardiogram provides detailed information about the size, shape and function of your heart. It helps doctors assess how effectively your heart is pumping and whether there are any abnormalities in the chambers, valves or surrounding structures.
An echocardiogram can show:
Echocardiograms can also detect serious but treatable conditions, such as:
Your cardiologist will interpret the results and explain what they mean for your health. In some cases, you may need further tests such as a stress echocardiogram or cardiac MRI for more detailed assessment.
At Circle Reading Hospital, you’ll receive a full written report of your results and, if needed, follow-up advice from your consultant to guide the next steps in your care.
The cost of an echocardiogram at Circle Reading Hospital depends on whether you’re self-paying or using private medical insurance, and whether the scan is part of a wider cardiac assessment. You’ll receive a clear, upfront quotation before your appointment. Your total cost will include:
If your consultant cardiologist requests additional imaging – such as a stress echocardiogram or contrast echocardiogram – the cost may vary slightly.
Circle Health Group is committed to transparent pricing, with no hidden fees. Self-pay patients can also choose from flexible payment plans, helping you access prompt cardiac investigations without delay.
If you have private medical insurance, your echocardiogram is often covered (subject to your policy and referral). The hospital team can liaise directly with your insurer to confirm approval.
Patients across Berkshire and the Southeast choose Circle Reading Hospital for private echocardiograms because of our clinical expertise, advanced technology and patient-focused approach.
As part of Circle Health Group, we offer hospital-standard cardiac diagnostics in a comfortable, accessible setting, without having to worry about long waiting lists.
When you choose Circle Reading Hospital, you benefit from:
Every echocardiogram is conducted with the highest professional and clinical standards, so you can feel confident your heart health is in expert hands.
If your GP has recommended that you have an echocardiogram, they can refer you directly to our service. Whether you have a private or NHS GP, you can ask to be referred to Circle Health Group for your echocardiogram as a self-paying customer, and we’ll send your results back to your GP as soon as we have them.
If you do not have a referral from your GP, you’ll need to have a consultation with one of our cardiologists near you, who can then advise on the right tests for you. Call us and we’ll help you find the right consultant based on your symptoms and needs.
Reception: 0118 922 6888
Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm
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Consultations 16yrs+ Procedures 18yrs+
