Cardiac MRI is used to see the structure and assess the function of your heart, valves and major arteries and veins.
What is a cardiac MRI?
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to see the structure and assess the function of your heart, valves and major arteries and veins. MRI images show more detail than CT scans, and can be viewed in 3-D on a computer screen.
Why would I need a cardiac MRI?
This test helps your doctors diagnose and assess coronary artery disease, damage from a heart attack, heart failure, valve disorders, congenital heart disease, pericarditis and cardiac tumours.
What can I expect during my cardiac MRI?
You will lie on a flat bed, and will then be moved inside the opening of the MRI device. The procedure will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You may find it difficult to stay motionless for that length of time, but the procedure itself is painless.
MRI uses radio-frequency waves and very strong magnets to produce images of the body. It does not use radiation. The MRI scanner (magnet) has a donut-shaped opening that a platform or table moves through. The scanner takes images of a patient as the patient passes through the machine while lying on the table.
Resources
The following resources have more information on cardiac MRI: