Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A Cardiac MRI is done in the same machine as a normal MRI scan, but only takes pictures of the chest.
An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to make pictures of the inside of your body.
You will be asked to lie in a short tunnel, which houses a special magnet. Short bursts of magnetic fields and radio waves are sent through your body. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes and you will need to lie still. The machine may make some banging noises while it’s scanning and this may be unpleasant for some people. However, the MRI scan is completely painless and harmless since radiation isn’t used.
The images will show very detailed pictures of the structure of your heart and blood vessels. The MRI can also measure the flow of blood through your heart and some of your major arteries.
From the scan your doctor can tell if your heart isn’t working properly and locate any problems with the structure of your heart.
