Concierge imaging · London
Private cardiac MRI in London, the reference test for muscle, fibrosis and function.
The reference test for the heart muscle — function, fibrosis, myocarditis and complex congenital disease, all in a single 60-minute scan, reported by a cardiac radiologist.
Why patients choose us
- 01
One clinician, end to end
The same person handles your case from first message to the final cardiac report.
- 02
Paid by no clinic
We take nothing from the centres we suggest, so the guidance stays impartial and free.
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Cardiac-ready centres only
We route only to clinics set up for cardiac imaging, re-checked twice a year.
Indicative pricing
What a cardiac MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard function + LGE cardiac MRI: £900-£1,800, reported in 3-5 days.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac MRI (function + LGE) | £900-£1,800 | 45-60 min | 3-5 days |
| Cardiac MRI with stress perfusion | £1,200-£2,400 | 60-75 min | 3-5 days |
| Cardiac MRI + cardiology consult | £1,400-£2,800 | Half-day | Same visit |
| Congenital heart cardiac MRI | £1,200-£2,400 | 60 min | 5-7 days |
| Pre-ablation cardiac MRI | £1,000-£2,000 | 60 min | 3-5 days |
| Urgent cardiac MRI | £1,600-£3,200 | Half-day | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether stress perfusion, mapping or a same-visit cardiologist consult is added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
An echo is a start. The heart muscle needs MRI.
Cardiac MRI measures the heart muscle, its scar and its function more accurately than any other test — and with no radiation. The right protocol, a cardiac-ready scanner and a consultant cardiac radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer. We handle all three.
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Not sure if you need one?
If an echo or ECG has raised a question, cardiac MRI often answers it. We will say honestly if it is the right step.
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Which protocol?
Function, LGE, stress perfusion and mapping are all different. We match the right one to your question.
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Not sure who reads it?
We route to clinics where a consultant cardiac radiologist with a CMR fellowship reports the study.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to signed report — usually inside a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~45-75 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into shorts or a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
45-75 minutes. ECG leads and short breath-holds, lying flat while the radiographer coaches you through.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant cardiac radiologist report in 3-5 days. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same week.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Breathlessness, palpitations, an abnormal ECG or a known condition each need a different look. These are the questions we hear most.
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Suspected myocarditis
Detects inflammation of the heart muscle — often after a viral illness or vaccine reaction.
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Cardiac fibrosis (LGE)
Late-gadolinium enhancement maps scar and fibrosis — the reference for tissue characterisation.
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Ventricular function precisely
The most accurate measure of LV and RV ejection fraction, volumes and mass.
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Valve disease alongside echo
Quantifies regurgitant and stenotic valve lesions, complementing your echocardiogram.
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Congenital heart disease
Maps complex anatomy in adults living with a congenital heart condition.
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Stress-perfusion for ischaemia
Adenosine stress imaging detects inducible ischaemia without radiation.
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Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies
Characterises ARVC, HCM, DCM and infiltrative disease — often invisible on echo.
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Red flag: acute chest pain
Acute chest pain is a 999 emergency, not a private cardiac MRI. Call 999 first.
Cardiac MRI types
Not all cardiac scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Function + LGE
The everyday cardiac study — cine function plus late-gadolinium tissue characterisation.
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Stress-perfusion (adenosine)
Pharmacological stress imaging to detect inducible ischaemia — radiation-free alternative to nuclear.
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Cardiac MRI + cardiology consult
Scan and same-visit cardiologist review, with the report explained face-to-face.
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Congenital heart CMR
Complex-anatomy protocol for adults with repaired or unrepaired congenital disease.
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Pre-ablation left atrium CMR
Left-atrial anatomy and pulmonary-vein mapping for AF ablation planning.
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Post-MI viability CMR
Late-gadolinium viability assessment to guide revascularisation decisions.
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Iron overload T2* CMR
Quantifies myocardial iron in thalassaemia or transfusion-dependent patients.
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Urgent CMR
Same-week slots for time-critical cases — myocarditis workup, pre-procedural planning.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant cardiac radiologists with CMR fellowship
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SCMR-standard protocols
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Onward electrophysiology or heart-failure pathway
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A cardiac scan needs a careful device check and short breath-holds. We handle both before you arrive.
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Radiation-free
Cardiac MRI uses magnets and radio waves — no ionising radiation whatsoever.
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Takes 45-75 minutes lying still on your back
You lie flat throughout. Tell us in advance if that is difficult.
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Breath-holds are needed
Short breath-holds (10-20 seconds) let us image the heart between beats. The radiographer coaches you through each one.
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Claustrophobia — sedation available
The scan places you well inside the bore. We can arrange wide-bore scanners or mild sedation on request.
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Pacemaker/ICD needs an MR-conditional check
Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We confirm the exact model and lead configuration before booking.
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Gadolinium contrast is used in most protocols
Late-gadolinium enhancement is the reference for scar and fibrosis — a small IV injection at scan mid-point.
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Kidney function needed for contrast
A recent eGFR is required before gadolinium. We arrange the test if you do not have one.
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Pregnancy — MRI generally safe
Generally safe but usually avoided in the first trimester unless clinically indicated. We discuss risks and benefits.
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Always bring prior echo and ECG
The radiologist reads your CMR alongside your existing cardiac studies — bring copies or upload them in advance.
Reading your report
A cardiac report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However detailed the study, the report keeps to the same four parts — ending in the impression you read first.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your cardiologist, not for you — and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, the CMR performed, and the referral question — breathlessness, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy screen.
- 02 Technique
SCMR protocol and contrast
The protocol (cine, LGE, mapping, perfusion), field strength, and whether gadolinium contrast was administered.
- 03 Findings
LV/RV function, LGE map, oedema, perfusion
Chamber volumes and ejection fraction, LGE pattern and distribution, T1/T2 mapping values, and stress-perfusion defects if imaged.
- 04 Impression
Read first — the conclusion
Normal, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, ischaemia — with the next step. Your cardiologist plans the onward pathway.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cardiac MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, LGE, stress perfusion, claustrophobia and results.
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Cardiac MRI vs echo — which do I need?
They complement each other. Echo is quick, widely available and excellent for valve function and screening. Cardiac MRI is the reference for heart muscle, fibrosis, viability and complex anatomy — it answers questions echo cannot. Many patients end up having both.
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When is contrast needed?
Most cardiac MRI protocols use gadolinium contrast because late-gadolinium enhancement is the reference test for scar and fibrosis. Function-only studies (rare) can skip contrast. Your radiologist decides based on the clinical question.
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Is cardiac MRI safe if I have a pacemaker or ICD?
Many modern pacemakers and ICDs are MR-conditional — meaning they can be scanned safely under specific conditions. We confirm the exact model, lead configuration and manufacturer instructions before booking, and the scan is performed with a cardiac physiologist on site.
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How much does a private cardiac MRI cost in London?
A standard function + LGE cardiac MRI is £900-£1,800 in our network. Stress perfusion or same-visit cardiologist review costs more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
Yes — cardiac MRI needs a clinical referral so the right protocol is used. We can arrange a fast-track private GP or cardiologist referral if you do not have one.
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What about breath-holds and claustrophobia?
The scan needs short breath-holds (10-20 seconds each) and you lie flat inside the bore for 45-75 minutes. If claustrophobia is an issue we route you to a wide-bore scanner, or arrange mild sedation with an anaesthetist.
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How quickly do I get results?
A consultant cardiac radiologist report is usually ready in 3-5 days. Same-visit reporting is available if you book a cardiology consult alongside the scan. Urgent cases can be reported the same week.
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What is LGE and why does it matter?
Late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is the imaging signature of myocardial scar or fibrosis. The pattern of LGE tells the radiologist whether the cause is ischaemic (previous heart attack) or non-ischaemic (myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, infiltration) — a distinction only cardiac MRI can make reliably.
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What is stress perfusion cardiac MRI?
Adenosine is infused to mimic exercise, and imaging captures blood flow to the heart muscle. Areas that do not perfuse under stress signal inducible ischaemia — a radiation-free alternative to nuclear stress testing.
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When should I see a GP urgently instead?
Acute chest pain — especially with sweating, breathlessness, or radiation to the arm or jaw — is a 999 emergency, not a private cardiac MRI. Call 999. New severe breathlessness, blackouts, or collapse also need urgent same-day assessment.
Sources
- Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). Protocol and reporting standards.
- European Society of Cardiology. Guidelines on cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
- NICE CG95. Chest pain of recent onset: assessment and diagnosis.
- British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging. Patient information.
Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · next review 2027-07-30 · 8 min read.
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