Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive imaging test used to create detailed pictures of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. It uses a combination of strong magnets, radio waves, and a computer to generate high-resolution images, helping doctors assess heart structure and function.
Purpose
Cardiac MRIs are used to diagnose various heart conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle)
- Congenital heart defects
- Aneurysms and other structural abnormalities
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
Procedure
During a Cardiac MRI, the patient lies on a table that slides into a large, tunnel-like machine. Electrodes may be placed on the chest to monitor the heart’s activity. The machine takes a series of images while the patient remains still. Sometimes, a contrast dye is injected to highlight blood vessels and heart tissues.
The procedure is painless, but the machine can be noisy, so earplugs are often provided. A Cardiac MRI typically lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the study.
Safety
A Cardiac MRI does not use radiation and is considered very safe. However, patients with metal implants (such as pacemakers) may not be eligible for the procedure due to the strong magnets used.
