What Is Cardiac MRI?

By E. Cochen


Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a test intended to evaluate the heart. This test will provide highly accurate assessment and evaluation of the heart's function and structure. It also evaluates the status of blood vessels of the chest area. Cardiac MRI is actually a noninvasive test, which means surgery is not needed, and there will be no instrument to be inserted inside the body in order to create a detailed picture of the heart and its tissues.

In MRI testing, there will be a need for gadolinium or commonly known as contrast injection. This injection is needed to know related information of the blood supply of a patient's heart. Also, this is effective in knowing the amount of scarring muscles in the heart, if any. There are actually various reasons for this test. This is being used to investigate anything about the heart like unusual findings and structural abnormalities that are noted from the imaging test. Also, to monitor or assess the thickness of the muscles located on the heart as well as to evaluate if the heart and its function can be developed and improved through bypass surgery or angioplasty.

Cardiac MRI is also being used in cases wherein there's a need to have an immediate evaluation of the heart and its surrounding areas such as pericardium, aorta, pulmonary arteries, and others. A patient must be under preparation before undergoing this test. The patient should have a fasting for a minimum of three hours before the test if contrast injection is necessary. In this test, some electrodes will be attached to the chest area of the patient.

Cardiac MRI is basically common to people. This is typically used to assess and diagnose many conditions and diseases of the heart which include damages from a heart attack, heart failure, problems of the heart valve, congenital heart diseases or defects, pericarditis, cardiac tumors, etc.

MRI testing is generally a safe procedure. The patient will have no radiation exposure at all, and it side effects are uncommon. Patients may feel uncomfortable, anxious, and some may feel claustrophobic inside the machine or the scanner. Sometimes, the patient will be given earphones to listen to some relaxing music; this will help relax the patient's mind during the test. A technician will be in contact with the patient; this person will explain everything to the patient while on the test. The contrast or gadolinium injection is safe, and it has a low related risk to side effects.

Cardiac MRI test usually takes one to two and a half hours. The electrodes will be attached on the patient's chest in order to monitor the heart as well as its rhythm. Health care providers will see to it that the patient is relaxed and comfortable while inside the scanner. The patient will lie down on the scanner and needs to be quite for several minutes and will be required to hold breath intermittently while photos of the heart are being taken.




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