Private Cardiac Screening in Preston — ECG, Echocardiogram, Holter & Cardiac MRI

 
Whether you're worried about palpitations, planning a return to intense exercise, have a family history of heart disease, or simply want a thorough cardiac MOT, private cardiac screening gives you fast, accurate answers without an NHS wait. At Northwest Health in Bamber Bridge, Preston, we offer the full diagnostic range — ECG, echocardiogram, 24- and 48-hour Holter monitoring, and cardiac MRI — every result reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant cardiologist, with private GP follow-up included. From £100.
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When to consider cardiac screening
Cardiac screening is the right choice if you have:
Palpitations or an awareness of your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats.
Chest pain or discomfort, particularly with exertion.
Shortness of breath out of proportion to your fitness level.
A family history of heart disease, sudden cardiac death, or inherited cardiac conditions.
Episodes of dizziness, fainting, or near-fainting, especially during exercise.
A wish to safely return to high-intensity sport after a break, illness, or COVID.
Hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes that warrants a closer cardiac check.
A general wish for a thorough cardiac baseline, particularly over the age of 40.
A demanding job — military, emergency services, professional athlete — where cardiac fitness matters.
If you are currently experiencing severe chest pain, sudden severe breathlessness, or symptoms of a heart attack, do not book a screening appointment — call 999. This service is for proactive and non-emergency assessment.
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Our cardiac diagnostic services
We offer the full diagnostic range needed to assess cardiac structure, rhythm, and function:
ECG (electrocardiogram) — from £100
A 10-minute resting test that records the electrical activity of your heart. ECG is the first-line test for chest pain, palpitations, and pre-exercise screening. Reviewed by a consultant cardiologist with a written report.
24-hour Holter monitor — from £225
A small portable ECG you wear for 24 hours so we can capture rhythm disturbances that don't show up in a one-off recording. Ideal for intermittent palpitations or unexplained dizziness.
48-hour Holter monitor — from £295
Same as the 24-hour Holter but extended, increasing the chance of capturing infrequent symptoms.
Echocardiogram (echo) — from £295
An ultrasound scan of the heart that shows the structure and function of the chambers, valves, and major vessels. This is the test for heart murmurs, suspected cardiomyopathy, valve disease, and cardiac function assessment after a heart attack or with heart failure.
Cardiac MRI — from £550
A detailed MRI of the heart for assessment of the heart muscle, scarring, and complex structural conditions. Recommended where echo or ECG raise questions that need a more detailed look.
Combined cardiac MOT — from £450
ECG, echocardiogram, blood pressure, BMI, lipid profile, and a consultant cardiologist review in a single appointment. The most comprehensive baseline assessment available.
Pre-participation sports screening — from £250
ECG plus consultant cardiologist review, following the screening protocols recommended for athletes by the European Society of Cardiology. Suitable for serious amateur and elite athletes before returning to or commencing intense training.
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What's included in every package
Every cardiac investigation at Northwest Health includes:
Pre-test consultation explaining the test and what we're looking for.
The test itself, performed in a quiet, private clinical room.
Reporting by a GMC-registered consultant cardiologist.
Written report explaining the findings in plain English.
Post-test GP consultation to discuss the result and any next steps.
Onward referrals to specialists, imaging, or further investigation if anything needs follow-up.
Insurance-compatible itemised invoice on request.
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When to choose which test
The right test depends on the question we're trying to answer:
If your concern is rhythm — palpitations, irregular heartbeat, dizziness — start with an ECG, and consider Holter monitoring if symptoms come and go.
If your concern is structure — murmur, breathlessness, heart failure symptoms — start with an echocardiogram.
If your concern is exercise tolerance or chest pain on exertion — start with ECG and discuss whether further testing (such as stress echo or cardiac MRI) is needed.
If your concern is family history of inherited cardiac conditions — usually ECG plus echocardiogram is the right starting point.
If you simply want a thorough cardiac baseline — the Cardiac MOT covers the essentials in one appointment.
We will help you choose the right test at your pre-test consultation. If you book one and we feel a different test would be more useful, we will tell you before you proceed.
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What to expect at your appointment
ECG appointments take around 30 minutes including the discussion of your history. You'll need to expose your chest briefly for electrode placement, then lie down for 10 minutes while the recording is taken.
Echocardiogram appointments take 45 minutes. You'll lie on your left side while a small probe with gel is moved across your chest. The scan is entirely painless.
Holter fitting takes around 15 minutes. You wear the monitor home and return it 24 or 48 hours later.
Cardiac MRI takes 45 to 60 minutes in the scanner. You'll lie still inside the MRI machine. Earplugs or music are provided.
For all tests, we'll explain exactly what's happening before, during, and after.
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What happens if something is abnormal
Most abnormalities found on cardiac screening are minor — common rhythm variations, mild valve changes, or non-specific ECG findings that don't indicate disease. We will explain what your result means in your specific context, without alarming you about findings that aren't clinically significant.
Where a result indicates something more substantial, we will:
Contact you promptly to explain the finding.
Arrange any urgent onward investigations (additional imaging, cardiology consultation) at no additional charge.
Liaise with your NHS GP or specialist if you'd prefer your care to continue through the NHS.
Support you through the next steps, whatever they look like.
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Pricing
ECG — from £100.
24-hour Holter monitor — from £225.
48-hour Holter monitor — from £295.
Echocardiogram — from £295.
Cardiac MRI — from £550.
Combined Cardiac MOT (ECG, echo, full review) — from £450.
Pre-participation sports screening — from £250.
All packages include consultant cardiologist reporting and GP follow-up.
How to book
Online — use our booking page to choose your appointment.
Phone — call 01772 507767, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Email — info@northwest-health.co.uk.
Most cardiac investigations can be booked within a few days. A £25 prepayment is taken at booking and is fully deducted from your final fee.
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Where to find us
Northwest Health is at 3–4 Dollywaggon Way, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6EW. We're two minutes from the M6/M65 junction with free on-site patient parking. Bus stops on Brownedge Road and Station Road are within five minutes' walk.
We see patients from across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley, and the wider North West.
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book any cardiac investigation directly. If you have previous reports, bring them with you so we can compare.
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How long do results take?
ECG results are often available the same day. Echocardiogram reports are typically available within 3 to 5 working days. Holter analysis takes 5 to 10 working days. Cardiac MRI reports are usually available within a week.
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Is cardiac screening worthwhile if I have no symptoms?
It depends on your context. For asymptomatic adults under 40 with no family history, routine cardiac screening is generally not recommended. For adults over 40, those with family history, those returning to intense exercise, or those with cardiac risk factors, it provides meaningful baseline information. We will give you an honest answer at your pre-test consultation if we don't think screening is the right step for you.
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Will the test be uncomfortable?
No. ECG, echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, and cardiac MRI are all painless. The most you'll feel is the cool gel of the ultrasound probe or the sticky tape of an electrode.
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Can I have an ECG if I'm pregnant?
Yes. ECG and echocardiogram are completely safe in pregnancy. Cardiac MRI is generally avoided in the first trimester unless clinically essential.
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Will I need to stop my medication?
For most tests, no. If you are on rhythm or blood pressure medication, mention it at booking so we can advise on whether anything needs to change.
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What if I have a pacemaker or implanted device?
You can have ECG, echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring as normal. Cardiac MRI depends on the make and model of the device — please tell us when booking and we will check compatibility.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Many private health insurers cover cardiac investigations when ordered for symptoms or specific clinical questions. Routine screening for asymptomatic patients is less commonly covered. We can provide an itemised invoice in your insurer's preferred format — check your policy first.
What's the difference between this and NHS cardiac investigation?
NHS cardiac investigation is excellent but requires a GP referral and is prioritised by clinical urgency, with waits ranging from days for urgent cases to several weeks or months for routine investigation. Our service offers same-week appointments, consultant-reported results within days, and continuity through a single point of contact.
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Book your cardiac screening in Preston
Same-week appointments available. Call 01772 507767 or book online.
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Related services at Northwest Health
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Our cardiac screen is reviewed and explained in a private GP consultation so you leave knowing your numbers, your risks, and your next steps. For deeper insight you can add private blood tests covering hormones, metabolic and inflammatory markers, or a private MRI scan where further imaging is needed. Book a heart check — same-day appointments often available.
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