Learn everything about an MRI heart scan. Our detailed patient guide covers preparation, the scanning procedure, and how it helps diagnose cardiac conditions.
Overview
Obviously, if your doctor says he/she wants to take another look at your cardiovascular system. When the heart is the one that is the source of your vitality, all medical inquiries involving it can appear daunting. Making an appointment for Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a very positive thing, however. It's a method of removing the guesswork from the hands of your health care team and the best non-invasive diagnostic instrument in the modern-day healthcare world. This will help you get the answers you need without causing you pain, and will ensure that your treatment is as accurate as possible.
Why Cardiologist will suggest MRI Heart
This is the best imaging test your doctor will choose to get a clear image of the health of your heart. This scan will normally be ordered to look for:
Pumping Efficiency: If you want to know how well the heart is pumping, you have to carefully find out how much it is pumping and make sure the heart muscle is pumping the required strength so that your body gets oxygenated blood properly.
Structural Defects: To assess complex congenital structural defects (e.g. abnormal cardiac chamber or a hole in the wall of the heart).
Vascular Integrity: To look for any large blood vessels (such as the aorta) to be damaged with small tears in the lining, or blocked.
To diagnose localized inflammation of the heart muscle or to diagnose the diseases associated with abnormal deposits of abnormal proteins in the heart muscle.
What is the detailed procedure for the MRI Heart Test?
Step-by-Step: You’re Time in the Scanning Suite:
Safety Protocols: You are about to enter into a strong magnetic field, metal objects (phones, jewelry, belts) must be safely deposited and you must wear a sterile hospital gown.
Preparation: You will lie on a motorized examination table with your back up. A technologist will place the small painless EKG stickers on your chest to coordinate the scanner with your natural heart rate and a light receiver plate will be placed on top of your chest. The table will be carried into the bright light, cylindrical machine, called the Scan Dynamics. This scanner will have a built in noise and will make some noise during the scan including loud knocks and whirring sounds, you will be given ear plugs to wear. Note: There is an intercom to listen to and you must hold your breath for 10-15 seconds to prevent any cardiac image from being affected by breathing.
Duration: The entire session may last about 45-60 minutes, depending on the amount of relaxation you can achieve.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs):
May I take my heart medicines prior to the test?
Yes. Don't discontinue any medications prescribed by your cardiologist.
Will my head be fully inside the scanner?
Yes. The machine is enclosed around the head and upper torso as the heart is located in the middle.
How is this different from an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a procedure that uses sound waves, but the MR uses powerful magnets to look at tissue to a much greater depth.
Is the contrast dye safe for my kidneys?
Yes. Your doctor will do a quick blood test to make sure that your kidneys are functioning normally.
Can I exercise later that same day?
Absolutely. No sedative has been used; normal activities can be resumed at once.
Does this scan show blocked coronary arteries?
Not directly. It is most useful for looking at the damage to the muscle, but will not be as clear as a CT Angiogram for looking at artery blockages.
