Harley Street Medical District · London & St Albans
🛡️ CQC Registered⊘ No GP Referral Needed⏱ Same-Day Appointments❤ Cardiologist-Led
Private Heart Health & Stroke Risk Screening in Central London
A cardiologist-led screening combining four key cardiovascular checks in one appointment — a carotid artery ultrasound (stroke-risk plaque), an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test for peripheral arterial disease, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound, and a 12-lead ECG for atrial fibrillation. £649, same-day results, no GP referral.
Most strokes are linked to risk factors that develop silently. This expert-led assessment gives a clear, joined-up picture of your cardiovascular risk in a single visit.
Medically reviewed by our cardiologists (Dr Farveh Vakilian, Dr Hana Pospisilova, Dr Mohammad Almajali), with governance by Medical Director Dr Babak Soleimanpour . Meet the team & credentials →
£649ALL TESTS INCLUDED
£649
All-inclusive price
~60min
Appointment
Same day
Results
4.8★
1,256 reviews
In one appointment
A complete cardiovascular risk screen — led by a cardiologist
Four targeted tests assess the arteries to your brain, the main vessel from your heart, the circulation to your legs, and your heart rhythm — the areas most strongly linked to stroke and heart attack.
Doppler / duplex ultrasound (no radiation) + electrocardiography
Radiation
None — ultrasound and ECG only
Duration
Approx. 60 minutes
Preparation
Minimal — loose clothing; light fasting may be advised for the AAA component
Referral
Not required
Report
Same-day written report, formatted for onward referral where needed
Price
£649 — all tests inclusive
What is it
What the Heart & Stroke Risk Screening is
Stroke and heart attack are most often the end-point of conditions that build up silently over years — narrowed arteries to the brain, a widening aorta, poor circulation to the limbs, or an irregular heartbeat. None of these typically cause symptoms until they are advanced.
This screening brings together the four checks that map those risks most directly. Your carotid arteries in the neck supply the large majority of blood to your brain, so plaque or narrowing there is one of the clearest warning signs of stroke risk. The abdominal aorta is the body’s main artery — a slowly enlarging aneurysm there can be silent until dangerous. The Ankle-Brachial Index compares blood pressure at the arm and ankle to reveal peripheral arterial disease, a marker of arterial disease elsewhere. And a 12-lead ECG records the heart’s electrical activity to detect atrial fibrillation, a common irregular rhythm that sharply raises stroke risk.
Because all four are interpreted together by a cardiologist, you receive a joined-up picture of your cardiovascular risk rather than four isolated results — with a same-day report you can act on.
Ultrasound & ECG checks for
What this screening looks for
Arteries & aorta (ultrasound)
Carotid plaque, narrowing (stenosis) and turbulent flow
Plaque character — smooth, irregular or ulcerated surface
Vertebral artery flow direction
Abdominal aortic diameter & aneurysm
Reduced lower-limb circulation (via ABI)
Heart rhythm (ECG)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) & atrial flutter
Heart rate & rhythm irregularities
Evidence of prior strain or conduction changes
Findings that warrant onward cardiology review
What we measure & why it matters
Parameters assessed across the four tests and their clinical significance
Quantifies stroke risk; irregular or ulcerated plaque carries higher risk than smooth, calcified plaque
Ankle-Brachial Index
Ratio of ankle to arm systolic blood pressure
A low ratio indicates peripheral arterial disease and wider cardiovascular risk
AAA ultrasound
Maximum abdominal aortic diameter
Identifies and sizes an aneurysm; larger diameter carries higher rupture risk
12-lead ECG
Heart rate, rhythm and electrical conduction
Detects atrial fibrillation — a major, treatable cause of stroke
Clinical note: all measurements are interpreted by the cardiologist. Grading thresholds follow established published standards (see Grading) and final reported wording is confirmed by the clinical team.
Fatty plaque narrowing the neck arteries that supply the brain — a leading cause of stroke. Carotid Doppler scan →
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
A bulge in the body’s main artery that can enlarge silently. AAA scan →
Peripheral arterial disease
Narrowed leg arteries — and a marker of risk to the heart and brain. ABPI scan →
Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
An irregular heart rhythm that allows clots to form, sharply raising stroke risk. ECG test →
Stroke & TIA
Interrupted blood supply to the brain — many contributing conditions are silent and detectable early.
Atherosclerosis
The underlying artery-hardening process driving most of the conditions above — best caught early.
What’s included
What your £649 covers
✓Carotid artery duplex ultrasound (both sides)
✓Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement
✓Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound
✓12-lead ECG for atrial fibrillation
✓Cardiologist interpretation of all results
✓Same-day written report with annotated findings
✓Carotid stenosis grading (NASCET) where applicable
✓Clear next-step guidance & onward referral letter if needed
Our clinical approach
How we grade what we find
We name the exact arteries assessed — the common, internal and external carotid arteries, the carotid bifurcation and vertebral arteries, plus the abdominal aorta — and grade findings against established published standards.
Carotid stenosis — NASCET grading
Carotid narrowing is graded using NASCET criteria, combining the degree of narrowing with Doppler velocities.
Carotid stenosis classification (NASCET) with Doppler velocity criteria
Category
% narrowing
Peak systolic velocity (cm/s)
ICA/CCA ratio
Clinical significance
Normal
0%
<125
<2.0
No significant narrowing
Mild
<50%
<125
<2.0
Early disease; risk-factor review
Moderate
50–69%
125–230
2.0–4.0
Onward review advised
Severe
70–99%
>230
>4.0
Specialist referral
Near-occlusion
>99%
Variable
Variable
Urgent specialist referral
About our velocity criteria: thresholds follow widely used consensus duplex criteria (e.g. SRU).
Abdominal aorta — diameter bands
Abdominal aortic diameter categories (NHS AAA Screening Programme standard bands)
Category
Aortic diameter
Typical pathway
Normal
<3.0 cm
No aneurysm
Small AAA
3.0–4.4 cm
Periodic monitoring
Medium AAA
4.5–5.4 cm
More frequent monitoring
Large AAA
≥5.5 cm
Referral for surgical assessment
Circulation — Ankle-Brachial Index
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) reference ranges (standard published vascular criteria)
ABI value
Interpretation
>1.40
Non-compressible / calcified arteries — needs further assessment
1.00–1.40
Normal
0.91–0.99
Borderline
≤0.90
Peripheral arterial disease
Sign-off: AAA bands follow the NHS AAA Screening Programme and ABI ranges follow standard published vascular criteria. Exact reported wording and any package-specific thresholds are confirmed by the clinical team before publishing (Part D — no invented figures).
Who it’s for
Who should consider this screening
Family history
Stroke, heart attack or aneurysm in close relatives.
Existing risk factors
High blood pressure, raised cholesterol, or diabetes.
Aged 40+
A proactive cardiovascular check before symptoms appear.
Lifestyle risk
Smoking history, high stress or a sedentary routine.
Peace of mind
No symptoms, but you want clarity and reassurance.
Known vascular disease
Monitoring after a previous finding or diagnosis.
Preparation
How to prepare
✓Wear loose, comfortable clothing — easy access to the neck, chest and ankles.
✓Light fasting may be advised for the AAA ultrasound — confirmed at booking.
✓Bring a list of current medications and any past scan reports.
✓Avoid heavy moisturiser on the neck and chest on the day.
Note: the carotid, ABI and ECG components generally need no special preparation.
What to expect
Your appointment, step by step
Arrival & brief history. The cardiologist reviews your symptoms and risk factors.
Carotid ultrasound. Warm gel and a probe scan the neck arteries — painless, no needles.
Ankle-Brachial Index. Blood-pressure cuffs on the arms and ankles compare circulation.
AAA ultrasound. A quick scan of the abdomen measures the aorta.
12-lead ECG. Small sensors on the chest, arms and legs record your heart rhythm.
Verbal findings & same-day report. The cardiologist explains results and you receive a written report with clear next steps.
Reassurance
What happens if something is found
Most screenings are reassuring. If a finding does need action, you leave with a clear, tiered plan — never just a result and no direction.
● Mild / minor
Early plaque, borderline ABI or minor changes → lifestyle & risk-factor advice, with GP review where helpful.
◆ Moderate / significant
Moderate carotid narrowing, a small/medium aneurysm or PAD → graded report and onward review, with monitoring intervals.
▲ Urgent finding
Severe stenosis, a large aneurysm or newly detected AFib → prompt referral letter to the appropriate specialist.
Clinical references
The evidence behind cardiovascular screening
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the UK, and a large share of cardiovascular events are linked to risk factors that can be identified and managed early. The components of this screening map onto established clinical practice:
Carotid disease & stroke — the benefit of identifying and treating significant carotid stenosis is established by landmark trials including ECST and NASCET, and reflected in NICE stroke/TIA guidance (NG128).
Abdominal aortic aneurysm — the NHS AAA Screening Programme and NICE guidance (NG156) support ultrasound detection, with management guided by aneurysm diameter.
Atrial fibrillation — NICE guidance (NG196) supports detecting AFib because anticoagulation substantially reduces the associated stroke risk.
Peripheral arterial disease — a reduced Ankle-Brachial Index is a recognised marker of systemic atherosclerosis and wider cardiovascular risk.
Editorial discipline (Part D & F): only genuine, verifiable references are cited, and no specific effect sizes are stated until independently verified and signed off by the clinical team.
Private vs NHS
Why choose private screening
Heart & Stroke Risk Screening — private screening compared with the typical NHS route
London Private Ultrasound
Typical NHS route
Referral
No GP referral needed
GP referral usually required
Waiting time
Same-day / next-day appointments
Often weeks to months
Proactive screening
Available without symptoms
Generally symptom- or age-criteria led
All four tests together
Bundled in one cardiologist-led visit
Typically separate pathways
Report turnaround
Same day, formatted for onward referral
Variable
The NHS AAA Screening Programme invites men in the year they turn 65; private screening lets you check earlier or across all four areas in one visit.
Why us
Why choose London Private Ultrasound
Cardiologist-led
All four tests interpreted by an experienced cardiologist — not disconnected results.
Harley Street district
27 Welbeck Street, in London’s medical district, plus a St Albans clinic.
Trusted since 2012
Over 35,000 patients and a 4.8★ rating across 1,256 reviews.
Same-day, 7 days
Appointments and reports without the wait — open every day, 9am–7pm.
CQC & ICO registered
Regulated care and protected data as standard.
No referral required
Book directly — we handle onward referral letters when needed.
Pricing
Heart & Stroke Risk Screening
£649 / all four tests included
Carotid ultrasound · ABI · AAA ultrasound · 12-lead ECG · cardiologist interpretation · same-day report. All fees inclusive.
Meet our cardiology, vascular imaging and governance team
Your Heart Health & Stroke Risk Screening is delivered through a coordinated pathway: cardiology interpretation, vascular Doppler assessment, ECG review, AAA screening and clinical governance working together.
Provides cardiac assessment, cardiovascular review, ECG interpretation and clinical advice for screening pathways.
Cardiac reviewECGPrevention
Dr Mohammad Almajali
Cardiologist
Supports cardiovascular assessment, clinical interpretation of cardiology findings and follow-up recommendations where required.
CardiologyRisk reviewHeart health
Vascular imaging and governance
Specialist imaging, clinical oversight and patient-safety support
Dr Babak Soleimanpour
Medical Director · GP
Provides medical governance, patient-safety oversight and GP-led clinical supervision across diagnostic pathways.
GovernanceGP oversight
Mr Pedram Aghaei
Vascular Scientist · Ultrasound Consultant
Supports carotid, AAA and vascular Doppler assessment, clinical reporting standards and diagnostic pathway development.
Carotid DopplerAAA scan
Mrs Hosna Rashidi
Ultrasound Consultant
Provides specialist ultrasound support and patient-centred imaging care across private diagnostic pathways.
UltrasoundImaging care
Mr Ali Aghaei
Pharmacist Prescriber
Supports medication review and prescribing input where clinically relevant to health-screening pathways.
Medication reviewPrescribing
Mrs Arezoo Selahi
Co-Founder · Director · CQC Champion
Supports regulated care, patient safety, clinic governance and operational quality across the service.
CQC standardsPatient safety
How the team works together
Your screening is designed as one joined-up pathway. Vascular ultrasound findings, ECG results and clinical risk factors are considered together, with cardiology interpretation and Medical Director governance supporting appropriate onward referral where findings require action.
Online, by phone or by WhatsApp — whatever suits you.
Same-day appointments
Often available the same or next day, 7 days a week.
Fast, secure results
A clear written report the same day, delivered securely.
Your data protected
ICO-registered and handled to UK data-protection standards.
Registered & regulated
Care you can trust
London Private Ultrasound is a CQC-registered and ICO-registered private clinic in the Harley Street medical district, established in 2012. Scans are delivered to professional imaging standards, with clinical governance overseen by a GMC-registered Medical Director.
CQCGMCHCPCSoRSVTICO
4.8★ Patient rating
1,256 Reviews
35,000+ Patients
2012 Established
Reviews
What our patients say
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Google1,256 verified reviewsDoctifyTop DoctorsRead all reviews
“[Insert a real, verified patient review here before launch — do not publish placeholder text.]”
A carotid artery ultrasound, an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound and a 12-lead ECG, all interpreted by a cardiologist, plus a same-day written report. All fees are inclusive.
How much does the heart & stroke risk screening cost?
The screening is £649, which covers all four tests, the cardiologist’s interpretation and your same-day written report. There are no additional fees.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly. If a finding needs onward care, we provide a referral letter you can take to your GP or a specialist.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow around an hour for all four tests and your discussion with the cardiologist.
Is it painful or does it use radiation?
No. The ultrasound and ECG are completely painless and use no ionising radiation — just gel and a probe for the scans, and small sensors for the ECG.
How do I prepare for the screening?
Wear loose clothing for easy access to the neck, chest and ankles. Light fasting may be advised for the AAA component — we confirm this when you book.
When will I get my results?
You receive verbal findings on the day and a written report the same day, formatted for onward referral if needed.
Who interprets my screening, and what are their credentials?
Your screening is interpreted by one of our cardiologists — Dr Farveh Vakilian, Dr Hana Pospisilova or Dr Mohammad Almajali — with Doppler ultrasound performed by our accredited vascular scientists (Mr Pedram Aghaei, SVT00679). Clinical governance rests with our Medical Director, Dr Babak Soleimanpour (MD · MRCGP · DRCOG).
Who is this screening for?
It’s aimed at adults who want a proactive cardiovascular check — particularly those over 40, or anyone with a family history of stroke or heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a smoking history.
How is this different from a standard heart health check or echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram looks at the heart’s structure and pumping. This screening focuses on stroke and vascular risk — the neck arteries, the aorta, leg circulation and heart rhythm. For a fuller cardiac work-up with bloods, see our Premium Heart Health Check.
Can I have just one of the four tests instead of the full package?
Yes — the carotid Doppler, AAA scan, ABPI and ECG are all available individually. The £649 package bundles them in one cardiologist-led visit at a lower combined price.
Is the screening suitable for women?
Yes. Carotid disease, atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease affect both men and women. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is more common in older men, but the scan is included for everyone.
How is carotid narrowing graded?
Carotid stenosis is graded using NASCET criteria, combining the percentage of narrowing with Doppler blood-flow velocities. See the Grading section for the full classification.
How does this compare with the NHS AAA screening programme?
The NHS programme invites men in the year they turn 65 for an aorta scan only. This private screening lets you check the aorta earlier and alongside three other cardiovascular tests in a single visit.
Can you send the results to my GP or refer me on?
Yes. Your written report is formatted for onward referral, and we provide a referral letter to your GP or a specialist where a finding warrants it.
Which clinic locations offer this screening, and can I book same-day?
It’s available at our Central London clinic (27 Welbeck Street, in the Harley Street district) and at St Albans, 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Same-day appointments are often available — book online or call 020 7101 3377.
Who performs the medical review and content governance of this page?
This patient-information page was prepared with AI-assisted editorial support and reviewed for clinical accuracy by:
Dr Babak Soleimanpour — MD, MRCGP, DRCOG · Medical Director / GMC-registered GP (GMC )
Reviewed: 23/05/2026 — Next review due: 30/11/2026
This information is for general patient education and does not replace a medical consultation. If your symptoms or scan findings need further assessment, our clinical team will explain your results clearly and advise on suitable next steps, including GP, specialist or urgent referral where appropriate.
London Private Ultrasound (Ultrasound London Limited) is registered with the Care Quality Commission and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
£649ALL TESTS INCLUDED
£649ALL TESTS INCLUDED
