What to Expect and When to Have One
If you've been advised to have an echocardiogram or you're researching heart testing in your area, it’s important to understand what the test involves, when it’s appropriate, and how you can access it quickly and safely. At Heartsure, we offer private, consultant-led echocardiograms in Surrey, providing patients with clear answers and professional care without the long waits.
I’ll explain in detail what an echocardiogram is, what it can detect, the types available, and how to arrange one if you live locally in Surrey.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often called an 'echo', is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound scan used to assess how your heart is working. It produces real-time moving images of the heart using high-frequency sound waves, helping to visualise the heart's structure and function.
Echocardiography is one of the most common investigations used in cardiology and plays a key role in both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of heart conditions.
What Does an Echocardiogram Show?
This test gives your cardiologist valuable insights into:
Heart muscle strength (ejection fraction)
Size and shape of the heart chambers
Valve function, including leaks or narrowing
Wall motion abnormalities, often caused by previous heart attacks
Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
Presence of blood clots or masses within the heart
Signs of congenital heart abnormalities
In many cases, echocardiography is used to explain symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, or chest discomfort when other tests such as ECG or blood tests are inconclusive.
Why Might You Need an Echocardiogram?
There are several common reasons why a GP or cardiologist may refer you for an echocardiogram:
Ongoing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or chest pain
Newly detected heart murmur
Unexplained swelling of the legs or fluid retention
Irregular heartbeat (e.g. atrial fibrillation)
Monitoring of known heart valve disease or heart failure
Family history of heart disease or cardiomyopathy
If you have a condition such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or a previous heart attack, an echocardiogram can also help assess how well your heart is coping.
Types of Echocardiograms
At Heartsure in Surrey, we perform various types of echocardiograms depending on the clinical need.
1. Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
This is the standard form of echocardiography and is performed by placing a small ultrasound probe on your chest. It’s quick, painless, and doesn’t require any preparation.
2. Stress Echocardiogram
This test evaluates how your heart responds to exertion. You’ll be asked to exercise on a treadmill or be given medication to simulate the effects of exercise while images of the heart are recorded. This is particularly useful for identifying coronary artery disease.
3. Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)
For more detailed imaging—particularly of the heart valves or if infection of the heart (endocarditis) is suspected—a thin probe is passed into the oesophagus under sedation. This test is typically done in a hospital setting.
We currently offer transthoracic and stress echocardiograms at our Surrey clinic, with short waiting times and rapid access to results.
What Is the Process of Having an Echocardiogram?
The test typically takes between 20–40 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:
You’ll lie on an examination couch and be asked to remove clothing from your upper body. A gown will be provided.
Small electrode pads may be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm during the scan.
A gel is applied to your chest to help conduct the ultrasound waves, and a hand-held probe (called a transducer) is moved around the chest to capture images of your heart.
You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath briefly to get clearer pictures.
Once the test is complete, the gel is wiped off, and you can get dressed and continue your day as normal.
The scan is not painful, though some pressure on the chest from the probe may feel slightly uncomfortable, especially if firm contact is needed to improve image quality.
What Will the Results Tell You?
An echocardiogram can provide important insights into whether your symptoms are caused by heart dysfunction. It’s especially useful in identifying:
Heart failure – where the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced
Valve disorders – such as mitral or aortic regurgitation
Cardiomyopathies – thickened or weakened heart muscle
Previous damage from a heart attack
Fluid accumulation in or around the heart
Once the scan is complete, the results are reviewed by a consultant cardiologist, who will either:
Reassure you that no abnormalities were found
Recommend further tests, such as ECG monitoring or CT coronary angiogram
Begin or adjust treatment for a specific condition
At Heartsure we ensure that all echo results are reviewed and fed back by one of our consultant cardiologists.
Why Choose a Private Echocardiogram in Surrey?
While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times for non-urgent scans like echocardiograms can stretch into several weeks or months. At Heartsure, we provide:
Rapid access – same-week appointments available
Consultant-led analysis with clear explanations
Personalised care, with access to follow-up testing and advice
Discreet and comfortable setting in the heart of Surrey
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms and don’t want to wait for answers, contact us here to book a private echocardiogram with our team.
Is the Test Safe?
Yes—echocardiography is completely safe and has no known risks or side effects. It doesn’t involve radiation and can be repeated as needed, making it ideal for monitoring chronic conditions like valve disease or heart failure.
Stress echocardiograms involve careful supervision and monitoring, and the test will be stopped if you become symptomatic or reach your target heart rate.
Preparing for an Echocardiogram
For most patients, no special preparation is needed. However, here are a few general tips:
Wear loose-fitting clothes for comfort
Avoid using lotions or oils on your chest before the scan
Bring a list of current medications
Arrive a few minutes early for your appointment to complete any forms
If you are having a stress echocardiogram, you may be advised to avoid caffeine or certain medications beforehand—we will provide full instructions.
Ongoing Monitoring and Heart Health
An echocardiogram is often part of a broader cardiovascular assessment. At Heartsure, we combine echo scans with:
12-lead ECG and Holter monitoring
Blood pressure tracking
Comprehensive blood tests
CT coronary angiography, when needed
This integrated approach means we can assess your risk thoroughly, detect issues early, and guide your long-term care.
For those with ongoing conditions, repeat echocardiograms may be done every 6–12 months, depending on the condition and severity.
When Should You Consider an Echocardiogram?
Speak to your GP or a cardiologist about an echocardiogram in Surrey if you:
Have symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain or fatigue
Have been told you have a murmur or irregular heartbeat
Have a family history of heart failure or cardiomyopathy
Are managing an existing heart condition that needs regular monitoring
Simply want reassurance or a baseline heart assessment
Conclusion
If you’re based in Surrey and are looking for a clear, efficient and accurate assessment of your heart function, a private echocardiogram at Heartsure is an excellent option. Whether you're experiencing new symptoms or managing a long-term condition, we provide personalised and timely diagnostics with full consultant support.
To arrange an appointment or speak with our team, contact us here here by using our online booking tool.
