Diagnostic Procedure

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a painless, radiation-free ultrasound scan that gives Dr Kamal Khan a detailed picture of your heart's structure and function — one of the most important tools in modern cardiac diagnosis.

Personally reported by Dr Khan
Painless & Radiation-Free
20–40 Minute Scan
Specialist-Reported
No GP Referral Needed
About Echocardiography

What is echocardiography?

An echocardiogram, or "echo", uses ultrasound to create moving images of your heart in real time. It allows Dr Khan to assess the size and shape of your heart, how well the heart muscle is pumping, and whether the heart valves are working correctly — all without any radiation or discomfort.

Echocardiography is often used to investigate symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations, or a heart murmur, and to monitor known cardiac conditions over time.

What it can detect

What an echocardiogram can show

Heart valve disease — narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation) of the heart valves
Pumping function — ejection fraction and overall heart muscle performance
Heart failure — signs of the heart not pumping or filling efficiently
Structural abnormalities — including congenital or acquired conditions
Chamber size and wall thickness — relevant to conditions such as hypertension
Your scan

What to expect

Duration
Approximately 20–40 minutes
Preparation
None required — eat, drink and take medication as normal
Comfort
Painless, non-invasive, no radiation
Types offered
Resting transthoracic echo and stress echocardiography
Your visit

What happens during your appointment

You'll lie on your side while a small handheld probe is gently moved over your chest, using gel to help transmit the ultrasound signal. There is no discomfort, and the scan produces detailed moving images of your heart in real time.

Dr Khan personally reviews and reports on every scan he performs, and will talk you through the findings — often the same day — so you leave with a clear understanding of your heart health and any recommended next steps.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is an echocardiogram painful?
No. A standard echocardiogram is completely painless and uses no radiation. A probe is gently moved over the chest to capture ultrasound images of the heart.
Do I need to prepare for an echocardiogram?
No special preparation is usually needed. You can eat and drink normally beforehand and continue taking your usual medications unless advised otherwise.
How long does the scan take?
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram typically takes 20 to 40 minutes.
When will I get my results?
Dr Khan personally reviews and reports on every scan, and will discuss the findings with you, either on the same day or at a prompt follow-up appointment.
Book Your Appointment
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At a Glance
Painless, radiation-free scan
Personally reported by Dr Khan
3 private hospital locations
No GP referral required
Self-funded & insured patients welcome
Accepted Insurers
BUPA
AXA Health
Aviva
Vitality Health
Cigna
WPA
Allianz
Simply Health
Healix
Related Services
Chest Pain Palpitations & Arrhythmia Breathlessness Cardiovascular Risk
Private Clinic Locations
The Alexandra HospitalCheadle, Cheshire Spire Manchester HospitalDidsbury, Manchester HCA Healthcare WilmslowWilmslow, Cheshire
Book an appointment

Book your echocardiogram

Self-funded and insured patients welcome. No GP referral required.

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