Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create pictures of your heart without using ionizing radiation.

UPMC doctors use highly sophisticated cardiac MRI techniques to:

• View the structure and function of your heart.
• Detect coronary artery disease through stress testing.
• Diagnose various heart conditions.

What Is A Cardiac MRI?

A cardiac MRI uses a magnetic resonance imaging machine to create pictures of your heart, without using ionizing radiation.

UPMC uses a short and wide bore, “smart” magnetic resonance scanner, which can accommodate a greater range of people than traditional MRI scanners.

Conditions we diagnose with cardiac MRI

UPMC experts use cardiac MRI to diagnose a range of heart conditions, including:

• Amyloidosis.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Iron overload.
• Congenital heart disease.
• Other disorders.

Why Would I Need A Cardiac MRI?

You may need a cardiac MRI if you have:

• Previously had a heart attack.
• Heart disease.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
• Cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease.
• Ventricular arrhythmia, or a heart rhythm disorder that originates in your ventricles.
• Congenital heart defects, or heart problems present at birth.
• Blood clots or tumors in your heart.

Who’s a candidate for a cardiac MRI?

Most people are candidates for cardiac MRI. However, you may not be a candidate for cardiac MRI if you are pregnant, have an implantable cardiac device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, or have other metallic components implanted in your body.

Does a cardiac MRI show blockages?

Cardiac MRI can show blockages and reduced blood flow in larger sections of your coronary arteries. It is not as effective at diagnosing blockages in smaller sections.

What Are the Risks and Complications of a Cardiac MRI?

No harmful effects from the strong magnetic field used in cardiac MRI are known, though the magnet may affect some implanted devices.

If contrast material is used, there is a slight risk of an allergic reaction or an infection at the injection site. In rare cases, contrast material can harm people with severe kidney or liver disease.

What Should I Expect From Cardiac MRI?

Before: How to prepare for a cardiac MRI

Before your cardiac MRI, be sure to tell your doctor:

• About any metal objects or devices you have in your body, as some implanted devices are safe around MRI machines but others are not.
• About any medications you are taking.
• About any allergies or sensitivities you have to medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• If you are pregnant.
• If small, confined spaces make you feel anxious or scared.

Before the test, you will remove any clothing above your waist and put on a hospital gown.

You may receive an IV so you can get medicine during the test. We may inject contrast material called gadolinium through the IV to get a better picture of your heart. Gadolinium does not contain iodine.

How long does a cardiac MRI take?

A cardiac MRI takes 30-90 minutes.

During your cardiac MRI

The cardiac MRI machines at UPMC are short and wide bore MRI machines that have a larger opening and shorter tunnel than a traditional MRI machine. These machines provide detailed images while increasing your comfort.

During your cardiac MRI:

• You will lie flat on your back on a table that is moved into the machine. It is important to be very still during the test.
• A technician will control the machine from the next room and can see and hear you throughout the test.
• If necessary, contrast material may be injected into your vein to get a better picture of your heart.
• The MRI machine makes loud noises, so you may be given earplugs or allowed to listen to music during the test.

Recovery after a cardiac MRI

After completing your test, you can resume your normal activities immediately. As long as you are feeling well, you should be able to drive yourself home.

When to call your doctor about cardiac MRI complications

You should call your doctor if you experience any complications after your cardiac imaging test, including:

• Blood pressure fluctuations.
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Flushing sensation.
• Stomach pain or pressure.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid heart rate.

What are the results of cardiac MRI?

You may receive a normal or abnormal result from your cardiac MRI:

• Normal results may include:
• Your heart chambers and valves are working properly.
• The amount of blood your heart pumps is normal.
• There is no extra fluid around your heart.
• No tumors or blood clots are present.
• Abnormal results may vary depending on your specific condition and may include:
• Your heart chambers or valves are not working properly.
• The amount of blood your heart pumps is not enough to support your body’s needs.
• There is extra fluid around your heart.
• A tumor or blood clot is present.

Why Choose UPMC for Cardiac MRI?

• UPMC’s cardiac MRI technology can image people who weigh up to 550 pounds.
• Other features include the widespread use of motion-corrected (moco) pulse sequences, which minimize the need for breath holding during examination.
• Our short and wide bore, “smart” magnetic resonance scanners can accommodate a greater range of people than traditional MRI scanners, providing detailed images while enhancing your comfort. 

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.