Concierge cardiac imaging · London
Private CT coronary angiogram in London, read by a cardiac radiologist.
A low-dose CT scan of the coronary arteries - including calcium score and full CTCA - for chest pain investigation and cardiovascular risk assessment. Read by a consultant cardiac radiologist.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Cardiac radiologists
Every CTCA is reported by a consultant cardiac radiologist - not a general reporter.
- 02
Modern low-dose CT
ECG-gated scanners with prospective triggering keep the dose typically 1-3 mSv.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private CTCA and calcium score cost in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A calcium score in our network: £250-£500; a full CTCA £700-£1,300, reported in 48-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coronary calcium score (CT) | £250–£500 | 15 min | 24–72 hrs |
| CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) | £700–£1,300 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| CTCA + calcium score bundle | £800–£1,500 | 45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Cardiologist consultation + CTCA | £900–£1,700 | 60–90 min | Same visit |
| FFR-CT (Heartflow) add-on | £500–£900 | Report only | 5–7 days |
| Follow-up CTCA (surveillance) | £650–£1,200 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, whether a calcium score is bundled with a CTCA, whether FFR-CT is added, and whether a cardiologist consultation is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Chest pain deserves a clear answer, not a runaround.
CTCA is the NICE first-line test for stable chest pain of suspected cardiac origin, and a calcium score is a powerful risk marker. Choosing the right protocol - and reporting it well - is the job. We do it properly.
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Calcium score or CTCA?
We will tell you honestly which answers your question - and whether both are worth bundling.
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Worried about the dose?
Modern ECG-gated protocols are typically 1-3 mSv - a small dose for a decisive answer.
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Need a same-visit cardiologist?
On a guided pathway, your CTCA is reviewed with a consultant cardiologist the same day.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to signed report - often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30-45 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Chest-pain history, risk factors, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: calcium score, CTCA or both, 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 week, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and heart-rate prep
A short check on kidney function, contrast allergy and pregnancy. A beta-blocker is often given to slow the heart rate for image quality.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
You lie on your back with ECG leads. GTN spray dilates the arteries, contrast is injected, and the scan itself takes only a few seconds during a breath-hold.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. You may feel warm briefly from the contrast. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant cardiac radiologist report in 48-72 hours, with Agatston score category. Routed to your GP or cardiologist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. FFR-CT: 5-7 days.
What it shows
What a CTCA and calcium score are genuinely best at.
Cardiac CT earns its place for specific questions - chest pain, plaque, flow and follow-up. These are the ones we arrange most.
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Coronary calcium score
An early risk marker: quantifies calcified plaque in the coronary arteries (Agatston score).
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Narrowed arteries (stenosis)
Grades any narrowing in the coronary arteries, non-invasively.
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Chest pain, low-intermediate risk
The NICE first-line test for stable chest pain of suspected cardiac origin.
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Plaque characterisation
Distinguishes calcified, non-calcified and high-risk plaque features.
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FFR-CT for functional flow
Adds a computed fractional flow reserve to show whether a narrowing is haemodynamically significant.
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Post-treatment follow-up
Assesses stents and bypass grafts, and tracks plaque over time.
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Family history screening
Calcium score for people with a strong family history of early coronary disease.
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Red flags - go to A&E
Severe, crushing or radiating chest pain, breathlessness or collapse: call 999. CTCA is not for acute emergencies.
Cardiac CT types
Not all cardiac CT scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Coronary calcium score
A quick, low-dose non-contrast CT to quantify calcified plaque (Agatston score).
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CT coronary angiogram (CTCA)
Contrast-enhanced ECG-gated CT of the coronary arteries for stenosis and plaque.
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Combined calcium + CTCA
A calcium score followed by a full CTCA in the same visit.
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FFR-CT (Heartflow)
A software analysis of the CTCA to compute fractional flow reserve without a catheter.
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Chest-pain triple rule-out CT
One scan covering coronary arteries, pulmonary arteries and aorta when the cause is unclear.
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Cardiac CT for structural heart disease
Detailed anatomy of valves, chambers and pre-procedural planning (e.g. TAVI).
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Post-CABG surveillance CT
Bypass graft patency and coronary anatomy after previous cardiac surgery.
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Cardiologist-guided cardiac CT
A cardiologist-led pathway where the scan is arranged and discussed in a single visit.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Cardiac CT 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 cardiac CT clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
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Modern low-dose CT scanners with ECG gating for cardiac protocols
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Reported by consultant cardiac radiologists (SCCT or BSCI-affiliated)
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FFR-CT (Heartflow) available where clinically indicated
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Results explained by a cardiologist where required
Safety and eligibility
Radiation, contrast, heart rate and the small print.
Cardiac CT is safe and well tolerated for the right patient. The dose is small on modern scanners, and the day-of preparation matters more than most people expect.
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Ionising radiation
CTCA uses ionising radiation. Modern low-dose ECG-gated protocols are typically 1-3 mSv; a calcium score is around 1 mSv.
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Iodinated contrast
CTCA needs an iodine-based contrast injection. We check kidney function (eGFR) and screen for previous contrast allergy first.
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Heart rate control
A beta-blocker is often given (oral or intravenous) to lower the heart rate to around 60 bpm for the sharpest images.
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GTN spray
A short-acting GTN spray under the tongue dilates the coronary arteries and improves image quality. It can cause a brief headache.
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Caffeine avoidance
Please avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks) for at least 12 hours before, as it raises heart rate.
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Metformin and kidneys
If you take metformin and are having contrast, we advise on whether to pause it. A recent eGFR is needed.
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Pregnancy
Cardiac CT is generally deferred in pregnancy unless essential. Tell us and we will discuss alternatives.
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Breathing instructions
You will be asked to hold your breath for around 5-10 seconds while the scan is acquired. We practise this before the injection.
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No sedation needed
CTCA does not need sedation. The scanner is a wide, short ring - far easier for claustrophobia than an MRI tunnel.
Reading your report
A CTCA report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However detailed it looks, a CTCA report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, 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 protocol used, and the clinical question behind the referral (chest pain, screening, follow-up).
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Calcium score protocol, CTCA protocol, contrast volume, heart rate achieved and dose applied.
- 03 Findings
Segment-by-segment description
Coronary segments described individually, calcium score with an age-and-sex percentile, plaque burden and stenosis graded (minimal, mild, moderate, severe).
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The Agatston score category and management guidance in brief - read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
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 CTCA and calcium scoring.
Quick answers on cost, radiation, contrast, referrals and next steps.
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What does a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) show?
A CTCA shows the coronary arteries in detail - any narrowing (stenosis), the amount and type of plaque (calcified or non-calcified), stent or graft patency, and the overall coronary anatomy. It is the NICE first-line test for stable chest pain of suspected cardiac origin.
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What is the difference between a calcium score and a CTCA?
A calcium score is a quick, low-dose non-contrast CT that quantifies calcified plaque only, giving an Agatston number. A CTCA uses contrast and ECG gating to image the full coronary anatomy, including non-calcified plaque and stenosis. The calcium score is a risk marker; a CTCA answers the question of whether there is disease and how significant it is.
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How much does a private CTCA cost in London?
A calcium score is typically £250-£500 in our network; a full CTCA is £700-£1,300; a bundle is £800-£1,500. A cardiologist-guided pathway with same-visit review is more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral for a CTCA?
Yes. Cardiac CT is a specialist test and should be justified by a doctor. We can arrange a fast-track private GP or cardiologist referral if you do not have one.
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How much radiation does a CTCA involve?
A modern low-dose ECG-gated CTCA is typically 1-3 mSv, and a calcium score around 1 mSv - comparable to under a year of natural background radiation. For the right indication, the diagnostic benefit clearly outweighs the dose.
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Why does my heart rate matter for CTCA?
Image quality depends on a slow, steady heart rate - ideally around 60 bpm. A beta-blocker is often given orally beforehand or intravenously in the scanner. This is why we ask you to avoid caffeine for 12 hours before.
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Is iodinated contrast safe?
For most people, yes. Reactions are uncommon but real, so we screen for previous contrast reaction, asthma and kidney function (eGFR) before the scan. You will be observed briefly afterwards.
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How quickly do I get the results?
A consultant cardiac radiologist report is typically ready in 48-72 hours. FFR-CT (Heartflow) analyses take 5-7 days. On a cardiologist-guided pathway, results are discussed in the same visit.
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Will my insurance cover a CTCA?
Most policies cover CTCA and calcium scoring when clinically indicated and pre-authorised. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix recognise our network, and we handle the pre-authorisation.
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When would I need an invasive angiogram instead?
If CTCA shows a severe stenosis, a high-risk lesion, or if functional testing suggests significant ischaemia, an invasive coronary angiogram - often with the option to treat with a stent - is the next step. CTCA excels at ruling disease out and grading moderate disease non-invasively.
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