Echocardiogram in Winchester

Private echocardiograms at Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester

At Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester, you can access private expert-led echocardiograms in a calm and professional setting. 

Echocardiogram scans are performed by our experienced cardiac physiologists or specialist clinicians using modern ultrasound equipment. Your results will be interpreted and analysed by cardiology experts. These findings are then shared with your referring doctor or consultant, who will explain what they mean and discuss any next steps in your care.

Choosing a private echocardiogram allows you to be seen swiftly, often at a time that suits your schedule, with clear information and support throughout your journey with us. From your first enquiry, our team will guide you through what to expect, answer your questions, and help you feel at ease.

A private echocardiogram may be recommended if:

• You have symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, swelling in your legs or ankles, or unexplained fatigue
• Your doctor has detected a heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds during an examination
• You have a known heart condition that needs monitoring, such as valve disease or cardiomyopathy
• You have risk factors for heart disease, and your doctor wants a clearer picture of your heart function
• You are preparing for certain types of surgery and need a pre operative assessment of your heart

At Sarum Road Hospital, your scan will usually be performed in our Imaging or Cardiology department. The environment is designed to be quiet and comfortable, so you can get your scans without any added stress. Our team will take time to explain the procedure, so you will know what will happen at each stage.

Private care can offer:

• Shorter waiting times, compared with some alternative routes
• Flexible appointment slots, including times that may fit around work or family commitments
• Consultant led reporting, so your results are reviewed by clinicians with expertise in heart imaging

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a non invasive test that uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed moving images of your heart. It works in a similar way to other ultrasound scans, however it is specifically focused on the heart and nearby blood vessels.

Generally, an echocardiogram can show:

• The size and shape of your heart chambers
• How well your heart muscle is pumping blood (heart function)
• The structure and movement of your heart valves
• The direction and speed of blood flow through the heart
• The presence of any fluid around the heart

What happens during an echocardiogram?

The most common type of echocardiogram is called a transthoracic echocardiogram. During a standard transthoracic echocardiogram:

• A handheld device called a transducer is placed on your chest
• The transducer sends sound waves into your body, which bounce back (echo) from the heart structures
• These echoes are picked up by the transducer and converted into images on a screen that your consultant can see in real time

An echocardiogram can give more detailed information about how your heart is working because it provides dynamic, moving images compared to a simple ECG (electrocardiogram), which just records the electrical activity of your heart.

Is an echocardiogram safe?

An echocardiogram is usually considered a very safe procedure. It does not use X rays or ionising radiation, and there are no known long-term risks associated with standard transthoracic echocardiograms.

Most people experience:

• No pain, although you may feel gentle pressure from the probe on your chest
• No need for injections or contrast in routine scans
• No restrictions afterwards, you can usually return to normal activities straight away

In some cases, other types of echocardiograms may be recommended, such as stress echocardiogram or transoesophageal echocardiogram. These involve additional steps and will be explained to you in detail if they are relevant to your care. 

How much does an echocardiogram cost at Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester?

The cost of a private echocardiogram at Sarum Road Hospital depends on the type of scan required and whether any additional cardiac tests are recommended. 

Our team will provide clear and transparent pricing when you book your appointment so that you understand the cost before attending. This allows you to make an informed decision about your care. 

Many patients choose to self-pay for echocardiography because it provides fast access and reassurance when symptoms are causing concern. We also work with most major private health insurance providers, and our administrative team can help confirm whether your scan is covered under your policy. 

Private echocardiography offers prompt access to professional cardiac assessment and detailed reporting, helping guide the next steps in your care. 

Why choose Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester for your private echocardiogram?

Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester is part of Circle Health Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of private healthcare. When you choose to go private with Sarum Road Hospital for your echocardiogram in Winchester, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• The freedom to choose your hospital and, where appropriate, your consultant
• Bespoke, consultant led care pathways tailored to your individual needs
• Private ensuite rooms available if you require further treatment or investigations
• Tasty and nutritious meals cooked onsite to your dietary requirements if you are staying with us
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
• Affordable, fixed price packages for many treatments, with aftercare included where applicable
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

We perform echocardiograms using modern ultrasound equipment by experienced cardiac physiologists or sonographers. The scan images are then interpreted by consultant cardiologists or radiologists with specialist expertise in heart imaging, helping to ensure accurate and reliable results.

If your consultant suggests that further tests or treatment are needed based on your results, our team can arrange timely referrals to appropriate cardiac or general medical specialists. This integrated approach means your care can be coordinated in one place, from initial assessment through to treatment and follow up care.

At Sarum Road Hospital, we value patient safety, clear communication, and creating a supportive environment for our patients, so you can feel reassured at every stage of your heart assessment.

How to book an echocardiogram in Winchester

To book a consultation to discuss an echocardiogram with a cardiologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

If you have a referral for an echocardiogram, or want to book in direct without a consultation, call our team direct and they can help you.