Concierge imaging · London
Private cardiac MRI in London, read by a cardiac radiologist.
The gold-standard, radiation-free look at the heart. We match you to a vetted London clinic, handle the booking, and stay with you through the consultant report - from heart muscle and scarring to valves, inflammation and unexplained symptoms.
Why patients choose us
- 01
One clinician, end to end
The same person handles your case from first message to the final cardiac report.
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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 cardiac MRI in our network: £750-£1,400, reported in 48-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac MRI (function & structure) | £750–£1,400 | 60–75 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Cardiac MRI with contrast (LGE) | £850–£1,500 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Stress perfusion cardiac MRI | £950–£1,700 | 75–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Myocarditis / inflammation protocol | £800–£1,450 | 60–80 min | 48–72 hrs |
| T1/T2 mapping (iron, oedema) | £800–£1,450 | 60–80 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Follow-up cardiac MRI | £700–£1,300 | 60–75 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether stress perfusion or mapping 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 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, scar imaging, 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 or cardiologist 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
~60-90 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.
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Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
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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
60-90 minutes. A cardiac scan uses ECG leads and short breath-holds, and you lie flat while the radiographer coaches you through.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
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After
Report and next steps
Consultant cardiac radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
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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Heart muscle & cardiomyopathy
The gold standard for the heart muscle - showing thickening, thinning and infiltration.
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Scarring after a heart attack
Late-enhancement imaging maps scar tissue and the muscle that is still viable.
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Pumping function
The most accurate measure of how well each chamber pumps (ejection fraction).
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Valves & blood flow
Measures leaking or narrowed valves and the flow of blood through them.
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Myocarditis & inflammation
Detects inflammation of the heart muscle, often after a viral illness.
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Unexplained symptoms
Investigates breathlessness, palpitations or an abnormal ECG when the cause is unclear.
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Congenital heart conditions
Maps the anatomy in adults living with a congenital heart condition.
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Follow-up over time
Tracks a known condition accurately, and without any radiation.
Cardiac MRI types
Not all cardiac scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard cardiac MRI
Structure and function of all four chambers - the everyday heart study.
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Cardiac MRI with contrast (LGE)
Late-gadolinium imaging that maps scar tissue and inflammation.
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Stress perfusion MRI
Imaging under pharmacological stress to check the heart’s blood supply.
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Myocarditis protocol
Sequences that detect inflammation, often after a viral illness.
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T1/T2 mapping
Quantifies iron overload, oedema and diffuse fibrosis in the muscle.
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Flow / valve assessment
Measures leaking or narrowed valves and the flow through them.
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Congenital heart MRI
Maps complex anatomy in adults with congenital heart disease.
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Follow-up cardiac MRI
A repeat study to track a known condition accurately over time.
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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CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
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Cardiac studies read by a consultant cardiac radiologist or cardiologist
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Scanners and teams set up for cardiac (ECG-gated) imaging
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A report turnaround under 72 hours as standard
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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Pacemakers, defibrillators (ICDs)
Many modern devices are MR-conditional, but this matters most for a heart scan. We confirm the exact model first.
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Cochlear implants
Case-by-case. We confirm with the device manufacturer.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.
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Coronary stents and heart valves
Almost always MRI-safe. We check the type and date before booking.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Breath-holds and lying flat
A cardiac scan needs short breath-holds and lying flat for up to 90 minutes. Tell us if that is difficult.
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Claustrophobia
A cardiac scan places you well inside the bore. Tell us and we can arrange wide-bore or mild sedation.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed, as most cardiac scans use gadolinium contrast.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
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 key measurements.
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 question
Your details, the scan performed, and the clinical question - often breathlessness or an abnormal ECG.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (cine, late-gadolinium, mapping and, where needed, perfusion). Each answers a different question.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A description of the chambers, muscle, valves and any scar or inflammation, with measured function.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion and the key measurements - read this first. Your cardiologist plans the next step.
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, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a cardiac MRI show?
The heart muscle and how well it pumps, scar tissue after a heart attack, inflammation (myocarditis), cardiomyopathies, valve leaks and flow, and congenital conditions - the most detailed, radiation-free look at the heart.
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How much does a private cardiac MRI cost in London?
A standard cardiac MRI is typically £750-£1,400 in our network. A stress or mapping study costs more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Is a cardiac MRI better than an echo?
They complement each other. An echo is quick and widely used; cardiac MRI is more accurate for muscle, scar and function, and answers questions an echo cannot. We help you and your cardiologist decide.
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Do I need a referral?
A cardiac MRI is arranged with a referral and clinical details, so the right protocol is used. We can arrange a fast-track private GP or cardiologist if you need one.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Usually yes - most cardiac scans use gadolinium contrast to map scar and inflammation. We explain what to expect, and check your kidney function first.
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How long does it take?
A cardiac MRI takes about 60-90 minutes. It involves short breath-holds and ECG leads on your chest, and you lie flat throughout.
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Is it noisy or uncomfortable?
It is loud, so you have headphones, and you will be coached through breath-holds. It is painless aside from the contrast injection.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant cardiac radiologist report is usually ready in 48-72 hours. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or cardiologist.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover cardiac MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix recognise us, and we handle the pre-authorisation.
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Is a cardiac MRI safe?
It is very safe, with no ionising radiation. The main check is for certain implanted cardiac devices, which we confirm carefully before you arrive.