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What is a Heart MRI? Let's Discover Its Uses, Procedure, Preparation and Risks

What is a Heart MRI? Let's Discover Its Uses, Procedure, Preparation and Risks

A heart MRI is also called cardiac MRI which is a non-invasive, pain free and safe procedure that creates pictures of your heart. Doctors use these scan pictures to diagnose certain heart related diseases and disorders. In...

A heart MRI is also called cardiac MRI which is a non-invasive, pain free and safe procedure that creates pictures of your heart. Cardiac MRI or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can show clear pictures of your heart to help diagnose and plan treatment accordingly. The Cardiac MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves. The scan images can showheart chambers, valves, heat muscles and other parts of your heart.

Why is Cardiac MRI Used?

Heart MRI uses are as mentioned below, which can help assess signs and symptoms of:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart valve disease
  • Cardiac tumour
  • Aneurysm
  • Heart failure

Cardiac MRI is Used by Doctors to Diagnose:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent fainting
  • Enlarged heart
  • Leaky heart valve
  • Narrowed heart valves
  • Prosthetic valve 
  • Heart muscle damage
  • Heart inflammation
  • Heart infiltration
  • Heart infection
  • Heart failure
  • Heart diseases
  • Abnormal iron deposition in heart
  • Pericardium (covering or sac that surrounds andprotects heart) diseases
  • Cancer or other masses of heart
  • Aorta problem such as torn, narrow or inflamed aorta
  • Congenital heart diseases suchas patent ductus arteriosus

Heart MRI Can Also Help:

  • Evaluate success of recent surgery
  • Plan treatment procedure
  • Check disabilities and effects the disorder has caused
  • Check damage to heart after heart attack
  • Check blockages and obstruction to blood flow that may lead to heart attack
  • Pinpoint location for conducting ablation

Who Cannot Take a Heart MRI Scan?

You cannot have cardiac MRI if you have certain metallic implants such as:

  • Piercings 
  • Stents
  • Coils
  • Prosthetic valves
  • Cardiac pacemakers
  • Nerve stimulator
  • Defibrillators
  • Prosthetic limb
  • Tattoos containing metallic ink 
  • If you have diabetes or kidney disorders you should avoid getting contrast based study
  • Intracranial aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Neurostimulators
  • Bone growth stimulators
  • Bullet or shrapnel
  • Intrauterine contraceptives (IUD)

Things That You Should Avoid for Heart MRI

  • Jewellery should be taken off
  • You should tell your healthcare centre if you are breastfeeding or pregnant
  • If you have allergy to anyknown substance, you should tell your caregiver
  • If you are claustrophobic, you should inform beforehand
  • You should inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any diseases such as diabetes, kidney related problems etc.

How Does the Heart MRI Work?

MRI scanner is a large tunnel shaped machine. The strong magnetic field that Heart MRI scanner produces aligns the atoms in your body in the same direction. Radio Waves are then bombarded on you due to which the original position of these atoms is altered. After some time, the radio waves are turned off and the atoms return to their original position. The signals are received by the computer and converted into images. The images are further viewed on the computer and studied by the doctor for diagnosis and treatment planning.

What Happens During Heart MRI?

The scan takes about half an hour or an hour. You are made to lie perfectly still on a scan table that slides into the scanner. The machine takes several pictures from different angles to produce scan images. The machine makes certain loud noises while in operation for which you can ask for an earphone. Once the scan is done you will slide out of the scanner. During the scan it is very important to stay still as any movements can lead to blurred images production.

What Happens After the Heart MRI?

You can usually resume your daily activities as soon as your scan in complete unless

  • You had sedative for the procedure
  • Or you were given other anti anxiety medications 

Possible Risks of Heart MRI Scan

If you had contrast based study, youmight develop allergic reactions such as:

  • Swelling
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Warm skin
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 

The strong magnetic field can interfere with the metal devices that you might have. The magnetic field can cause movement of the metal devices or its fragments causing injuries and hampering the functioning of the scanner and device.

For Free Consultation From the Doctor

Get connected to our doctor directly 

  • Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
  • Phone Number- 9212125996
  • Available- 24*7*365

Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center for Heart MRI?

Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.

We have many Heart MRI scan imaging which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many test. 

Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations

NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.

We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic scans, as all services are available under one roof.

GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon heart MRI scan Image reports as reports are 100% accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cardiac MRI Used to Diagnose?

Heart magnetic resonance imaging (CMR or cardiac MRI) produces images of the heart. The structure and function of the heart can be detected using the scan. It can help find the cause of heart failure, heart tissue damage or heart attack.

Can a Cardiac MRI Detect Blockages?

Heart MRI can show the efficiency of heart pumping. It can also tell about irregular heartbeats, location of blood clots, scar tissue or even artery blockages.

How Long Does a Cardiac MRI Take?

A cardiac MRI can take from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the type of MRI scan, whether it is a contrast-based study or non-contrast based study. 

Is Cardiac MRI Better Than ECHO?

An Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan that creates pictures of the heart for its blood flow through heart and valves. A heart MRI can show more clear images of the heart and can reveal more about the heart’s functions, volume, size and shape.

What is the Cost of a Cardiac MRI?

Cardiac or heart MRI can cost differently in different centres, depending on contrast use or other factors it can cost between 9000-15000 INR. At Ganesh Diagnostic you can get upto 50% off in certain scans and tests.

Is a Cardiac MRI Safe?

Cardiac/heart MRI does not use any ionising radiation, hence it does not pose any radiation related side effects. The scan is considered safe but it can have certain side effects if you have certain implanted metal devices.

Is Cardiac MRI Better Than Angiogram?

A heart MRI scan is relatively safer in terms of safety. Heart MRI scan is a non-invasive and radiation free diagnostic tool that is used for detection and diagnosis such as coronary artery diseases (CAD).