Echocardiogram cost 2026: comparison with ECG, Holter monitoring and CT

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

A private transthoracic echocardiogram most commonly costs PLN 290 (typically PLN 280 ‑ 315), according to 4 facility price lists collected by indekscen.pl. This is more than a resting ECG, at around PLN 80, and similar to 24-hour Holter monitoring, at around PLN 270. Cardiac CT (coronary CT angiography) is several times more expensive, with a median price of PLN 1,500.

Cardiologists order heart tests in stages: usually an ECG first, followed by an echocardiogram, sometimes Holter monitoring, and only then a CT scan if there are specific indications. Private patients pay separately for each test, and prices in facility price lists vary between cities. We have compiled median prices from public price lists to make it easier to estimate the total cost of diagnosis. They are no substitute for discussing which tests you need with a doctor.

How much does a private echocardiogram cost?

A private transthoracic echocardiogram most commonly costs PLN 290, with half of the prices falling within the PLN 280 ‑ 315 range. The cheapest offers start at PLN 200, while the most expensive reach PLN 500. The price depends on the city and facility, the doctor’s experience and the type of examination: a standard transthoracic echocardiogram costs less than an extended examination.

The price does not always include a cardiology consultation. If the echocardiogram is performed without a prior appointment and you need to take the results to a cardiologist, you will also need a private cardiologist appointment, which has a median cost of PLN 285. Some cardiology practices offer an appointment with an echocardiogram as a package, which is usually cheaper than paying for them separately.

Echocardiogram, ECG, Holter monitoring or CT: how much do heart tests cost?

Heart test prices vary severalfold: a resting ECG is the cheapest at around PLN 80, an echocardiogram and Holter monitoring cost similar amounts, while a cardiac CT costs around PLN 1,500. Each test answers a different question, so they are not interchangeable.

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Test	What it shows	Price (median)
Resting private ECG	rhythm and electrical conduction at the time of the test	PLN 80
Transthoracic echocardiogram	heart structure, valves, contractility and blood flow	PLN 290
24-hour holter ECG	heart rhythm abnormalities over a 24-hour period	PLN 270
Coronary calcium scan (calcium score)	calcium deposits in the coronary arteries	PLN 600
cardiac CT scan (CT angiography)	coronary arteries with contrast	PLN 1,500

Which is better: an ECG or an echocardiogram?

Neither an ECG nor an echocardiogram is better than the other, as they examine different things. An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity, including its rhythm and electrical conduction, in a few minutes and costs around PLN 80. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan showing the heart’s structure: the size of its chambers, the thickness of its walls, how its valves work and how it contracts. It costs more, around PLN 290, and takes longer.

In practice, a doctor will usually start with an ECG and order an echocardiogram if the symptoms or ECG result indicate that one is needed, for example in cases of a heart murmur, shortness of breath, swelling or high blood pressure. A doctor will determine which test is appropriate in your situation.

How long does an echocardiogram take and what happens during the test?

A transthoracic echocardiogram usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The patient undresses to the waist and lies on their left side while the doctor places an ultrasound probe with gel against their chest. The examination is painless and does not involve radiation, so it can be repeated and is also performed on pregnant women and children.

The appointment step by step:

1. Medical history. The doctor asks about your symptoms, medication and previous tests. Bring previous echocardiogram and ECG reports with you.
2. Preparation. You undress to the waist, lie on your left side and have ECG electrodes attached to monitor your heart rhythm.
3. Examination. The doctor views the heart from several positions: beside the breastbone, below the left breast, below the breastbone and above the collarbone.
4. Report. You will usually receive the results and measurements immediately, on paper or by email.

How should you prepare for an echocardiogram?

No special preparation is needed for a transthoracic echocardiogram: you do not need to fast or stop taking medication unless your doctor advises otherwise. Wear clothing that is easy to remove above the waist and avoid applying lotion to your chest on the day of the examination.

A transoesophageal echocardiogram is different, as the probe is inserted into the oesophagus. It is performed on an empty stomach, usually after a local anaesthetic has been applied to the throat and sometimes under brief sedation, so you must not drive immediately afterwards. A transoesophageal echocardiogram is performed for specific indications and we do not have a price for it in the index. The facility will provide the price when you book.

What does an echocardiogram during pregnancy involve?

An echocardiogram during pregnancy can mean two different tests. The first is a standard echocardiogram of the mother’s heart, performed in the same way as outside pregnancy, without radiation or harm to the baby, when a doctor wants to check how the woman’s heart is coping with the increased strain. The second is a foetal echocardiogram: a specialist ultrasound scan through the abdomen in which the doctor assesses the structure of the baby’s heart, usually during the second trimester.

We do not have foetal echocardiograms as a separate service in the index, so we do not provide a price. The closest service in our data is a first-trimester pregnancy ultrasound (prenatal), costing around PLN 400. A foetal echocardiogram takes longer and is more specialised. The doctor managing the pregnancy will decide whether it is needed.

How much does a cardiac CT scan cost?

A private cardiac CT scan, meaning coronary CT angiography with contrast, has a median cost of PLN 1,500 (typically PLN 1,400 ‑ 1,500). A cheaper screening test is a coronary calcium scan (calcium score), performed without contrast, which costs around PLN 600.

A CT scan shows what an echocardiogram cannot: the lumen of the coronary arteries and calcium deposits in their walls. The test involves radiation and coronary CT angiography also requires contrast, so facilities require a doctor’s referral even for a paid test and often request a recent creatinine result. The scan itself takes around 10 to 20 minutes.

How much does an echocardiogram for a dog or cat cost?

We do not yet have prices for echocardiograms for dogs and cats in the index, so we cannot provide a median. The examination is performed at veterinary clinics with a veterinary cardiologist and is usually priced separately from the appointment. As a guide, a basic veterinary appointment has a median cost of PLN 80. Ask the clinic about the price of the echocardiogram and any sedation before your appointment.

How can you avoid overpaying for heart tests?

• Ask what the echocardiogram price includes. Check whether it covers a consultation, an ECG recording and an immediate report.
• Look for packages. A cardiology appointment with an echocardiogram and ECG on the same day is often cheaper than three separate appointments.
• Bring previous results. The doctor can compare them with the new results and avoid ordering unnecessary repeat tests.
• Check the NFZ waiting list. With an urgent referral, an appointment may be available sooner than you think, so it is worth asking several facilities.
• Combine tests. During a cardiac assessment, a doctor will often order blood tests as well. Their prices are covered in our article full blood count with differential, price.

Unlike individual practice price lists, we provide the median from several facilities and compare heart tests in one place. Details, quotations and dates are available on the echocardiogram page, while prices for other tests can be found in the health category.

„Warszawa, ul. Kochanowskiego 45 lok. 2 | Badanie echo serca od 270 zł”

kliniki.pl, source

„Echo serca | 280 PLN”

CardioTeam, source

„Echo serca | od 300 zł”

Medecho, source

„Cena prywatnego echo serca w Polsce zależy m.in. od lokalizacji kliniki, rodzaju badania i doświadczenia lekarza – standardowo wynosi od 200 do 500 zł.”

Milmedica, 2026-05, source

The prices in this article come from public medical facility price lists and articles. Each price on the service page includes its source, date and a verbatim quotation. This article does not constitute medical advice: a doctor should decide which test is appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private echocardiogram cost?

Echo serca przezklatkowe kosztuje prywatnie zwykle PLN 280 ‑ 315. Najtańsze oferty zaczynają się od PLN 200, a najdroższe, zwykle z konsultacją lub w dużych miastach, dochodzą do PLN 500.

How long does it take to receive echocardiogram results?

Wynik echo serca lekarz opisuje zwykle od razu po badaniu, a pacjent wychodzi z opisem i zdjęciami. Interpretację w kontekście objawów i innych badań warto omówić z kardiologiem lub lekarzem, który zlecił badanie.

Do you need a referral for a private echocardiogram?

Prywatnie na echo serca zwykle nie trzeba skierowania, wystarczy umówić termin. Na NFZ skierowanie jest potrzebne, a przy tomografii placówki wymagają skierowania także prywatnie, bo badanie wiąże się z promieniowaniem.

How much does an echocardiogram for a dog cost?

Ceny echa serca u psa i kota nie mamy jeszcze w indeksie. Badanie robi weterynarz z uprawnieniami z kardiologii, a dla porównania podstawowa wizyta u weterynarza kosztuje około PLN 80; o cenę echa zapytaj w lecznicy.

Can an echocardiogram detect blocked blood vessels?

Echo serca pokazuje pracę mięśnia sercowego, zastawki i przepływy krwi, ale nie pokazuje bezpośrednio światła tętnic wieńcowych. Do oceny naczyń lekarze kierują na inne badania, np. angio-TK za około PLN 1,500 albo USG Doppler naczyń za około PLN 280.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

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