Services
Private Echocardiogram in Poole & Bournemouth
A private echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound scan of the heart, and it is one of the most useful first tests in cardiology. If you are looking for an echocardiogram in Poole or Bournemouth, Dr Sujata Khambekar performs and reports the scan herself, so the same consultant who watches your heart moving in real time is the one who explains what it means and what to do next.
An echocardiogram shows the heart beating live — the size of each chamber, how well the muscle squeezes, and whether the four valves are opening and closing properly. It uses sound waves only, with no radiation and no injections, which is why it is so often the starting point for investigating heart symptoms.
What it is and who it is for
An echocardiogram, sometimes shortened to "echo", is a focused ultrasound of the heart. It measures the pumping strength of the main pumping chamber, looks closely at each heart valve, estimates the pressures inside the heart, and can reveal fluid around it.
It is commonly arranged for breathlessness, a heart murmur picked up by a GP, palpitations, swollen ankles, chest discomfort, high blood pressure, or to keep an eye on a valve problem already known about. It is also a key part of a thorough cardiac assessment, and is frequently performed alongside a consultation so that findings can be acted on the same day.
Because Dr Khambekar completed a dedicated cardiac imaging fellowship in South Manchester, the scan is both acquired and interpreted to a specialist standard — useful when the findings are subtle and the difference between normal variation and genuine disease matters.
What to expect
A transthoracic echocardiogram — the standard type — takes around twenty to forty minutes. You lie on your left side on a couch, with a few ECG stickers on your chest. A warm gel is applied and a small handheld probe is moved gently across your chest to capture images from several angles.
You may hear a whooshing sound as blood flow is measured; this is entirely normal and is part of how the scan assesses the valves. The test is comfortable, involves no needles and no radiation, and there is nothing you need to do to prepare. You can eat, drink and take your usual medication beforehand, and drive yourself home straight afterwards.
Having the cardiologist perform the scan herself means anything unexpected can be examined more closely there and then, and your results are discussed with you in plain language rather than left to a later appointment.
Where it is available
Echocardiography is available alongside consultations at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, The Harbour Hospital in Poole, and the Dorset Heart Clinic. Scanning equipment is on site at these locations, so in many cases your scan and the discussion of its results can happen within the same visit, wherever is most convenient across Poole and Bournemouth.
Cost & insurance
An echocardiogram is recognised by all major private medical insurers, who typically issue a pre-authorisation code before the appointment. Self-paying patients are welcome too, and the cost of the scan and its consultant report is confirmed up front. See our fees & insurance page for details.
Frequently asked questions
Does an echocardiogram hurt?
No. An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound scan. A small probe with warm gel is moved across your chest — there are no needles, no radiation and nothing to recover from afterwards.
How is an echocardiogram different from an ECG?
They are easily confused. An ECG records the heart's electrical rhythm through stickers on the skin, while an echocardiogram is an ultrasound that shows the heart's structure and how well it is pumping. The two tests answer different questions and are often used together.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink normally and take your usual medications. It helps to wear a top that is easy to remove, as the scan is taken directly on the chest.
Will I get the results on the day?
Often, yes. Because Dr Khambekar performs and reports the scan personally, the findings can usually be discussed with you during the same visit when the echo is done alongside a consultation.
Related services
Cardiac MRI (CMR)
Private cardiac MRI (CMR) in Bournemouth & Poole, personally performed and reported by Dr Sujata Khambekar, Consultant Cardiologist. Fast appointments, all major insurers.
Learn moreHeart Health Check
A private heart health check and cardiac risk assessment in Dorset with Dr Sujata Khambekar, Consultant Cardiologist. Understand your risk and protect your heart. All major insurers.
Learn moreAtrial Fibrillation
See an atrial fibrillation (AF) specialist in Dorset. Dr Sujata Khambekar, Consultant Cardiologist, offers prompt diagnosis, stroke-risk assessment and rhythm management. All major insurers.
Learn more