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Stress Perfusion MRI

A stress perfusion cardiac MRI is an advanced scan used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle. It helps determine whether the coronary arteries are supplying enough blood to the heart during stress.

 

The test combines high-resolution MRI imaging with a medication that temporarily increases blood flow in the heart, allowing areas with reduced circulation to be identified.

 

What can stress perfusion MRI show?
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Stress perfusion cardiac MRI can help detect:

 

  • reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (ischaemia)

  • significant coronary artery disease

  • previous heart muscle damage or scarring

  • areas of the heart that may benefit from treatment

  • heart muscle disease affecting blood flow

 

It is one of the most accurate non-invasive tests for assessing whether coronary artery disease is affecting blood supply to the heart.

 

When might stress perfusion MRI be recommended?
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This test may be useful if you have:

 

  • chest pain or symptoms suggestive of angina

  • uncertain findings on other tests

  • known coronary artery disease requiring further assessment

  • persistent symptoms despite previous investigations

  • a need to assess whether coronary artery narrowing is affecting blood flow

 

It is often used when a detailed assessment of both heart structure and blood flow is required.

 

What happens during the test?
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You lie inside the MRI scanner while detailed images of the heart are obtained.

 

A medication is given through a small intravenous cannula to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. This temporarily increases blood flow and allows areas with reduced circulation to be detected.

 

A contrast injection is also used to visualise blood flow through the heart muscle.

 

The test:

 

  • does not involve radiation

  • is non-invasive

  • usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes

  • provides detailed information about both heart function and blood flow

 

Some people experience a brief sensation of warmth, flushing or shortness of breath when the stress medication is given, but these effects pass quickly once the medication is stopped.

 

What happens after the test?
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The scan provides detailed information about both blood flow and the structure of the heart.

 

The results help determine whether symptoms are related to reduced blood supply to the heart and guide decisions about treatment, medication or further investigation if needed.

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