Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)

in London

An echocardiogram—also known as a heart ultrasound—is one of the most important and commonly used tests to assess heart health. It is painless, non-invasive, and provides detailed images of your heart using safe ultrasound waves.

At Dr Li’s private cardiology clinic in London, we offer a full range of echocardiograms to help accurately diagnose heart conditions and guide treatment with clarity and confidence.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram uses a small handheld probe placed on your chest to send sound waves into the body. These waves bounce off the heart and produce moving images on a screen, showing:

  • How well your heart is pumping

  • The size and shape of your heart chambers

  • The function of your heart valves

  • Blood flow through the heart

  • Signs of heart muscle weakness, stiffness, or damage

The test usually takes around 30 minutes and is performed in a calm, comfortable environment.

Why Might I Need an Echocardiogram?

Dr Li may recommend an echocardiogram if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain

  • Breathlessness

  • Palpitations

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Swollen ankles or fatigue

Echocardiography is also used to monitor known heart conditions, such as valve disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or after a heart attack.

It can detect:

  • Valve problems (e.g., narrowing or leaking)

  • Weak or thickened heart muscle

  • Congenital (birth) heart defects

  • Fluid around the heart

  • Signs of infection or clots inside the heart

Types of Echocardiogram Available at Our London Clinic

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

The most common type, where the probe is gently moved across the chest wall. It gives a detailed overview of the heart’s structure and function and is usually the first-line test for most patients.

Stress Echocardiogram

This test looks at how your heart works under stress—either during exercise (on a treadmill or bike) or using medication to simulate physical activity. It's especially useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease or investigating unexplained chest pain.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)

For more detailed imaging, a thin ultrasound probe is passed into the esophagus (food pipe), which lies close to the heart. This produces very high-resolution images and is particularly helpful for:

  • Checking heart valves in more detail

  • Detecting blood clots, infections, or tumours inside the heart

  • Planning procedures like valve repair or ablation

TOEs are usually performed with light sedation to keep you comfortable and just before a procedure so we can be certain your heart is in good shape before Dr Li carries out a heart procedure for you.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

The test is non-invasive and does not involve radiation

  • You may be asked to remove clothing from the upper body, and a water-based gel will be applied to help the probe get clear images

  • You can eat and drink normally before a standard echocardiogram (unless advised otherwise for TOE)

  • Results are usually reviewed promptly by Dr Li and explained clearly at your follow-up

Book Your Private Echocardiogram in London

If you’ve been referred for a heart scan or are concerned about your heart symptoms, Dr Li offers expert assessment and access to same-day or rapid echocardiogram testing in London. From investigation to treatment, your care will be tailored and led by a highly experienced consultant cardiologist.