Cardiac MRI is an advanced scan that provides detailed information about the structure, function and tissue characteristics of the heart.

 

It is one of the most comprehensive imaging tests in cardiology and is particularly useful when a detailed assessment of the heart muscle is required.

 

What can cardiac MRI show?

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Cardiac MRI can help diagnose and assess:

 

• cardiomyopathy

• myocarditis

• heart muscle scarring

• previous heart attack

• heart valve disease

• congenital heart disease

• inflammation of the heart muscle

 

The scan can also provide very accurate measurements of heart function and chamber size.

 

When might cardiac MRI be recommended?

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Cardiac MRI may be recommended if you have:

 

• unexplained breathlessness

• abnormal echocardiogram findings

• suspected cardiomyopathy

• suspected myocarditis

• unexplained chest pain

• abnormal ECG findings

 

It is often used when other tests have raised questions that require a more detailed assessment.

 

What happens during the test?

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You lie on a scanning table while the MRI machine obtains detailed images of the heart.

 

Some scans involve a contrast injection to assess the heart muscle in more detail.

 

The test:

 

• does not involve radiation

• is non-invasive

• usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes

• provides very detailed information about the heart

 

What happens after the test?

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The results are reviewed alongside your symptoms and other investigations. Cardiac MRI often helps clarify the diagnosis and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.