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.

The MRI testing needs contrast or gadolinium injection. It is being used to get information of the heart and its blood supply and also to get the amount of the scarring muscles of the heart if there's any. Actually, this test is being conducted for different reasons. It is intended to investigate any unusual findings or any structural abnormalities from the imaging test. In addition to that, this is also being conducted in order to monitor and assess how thick the heart muscles of the patient can be. In some cases, this test is necessary to evaluate the function of the heart and learn if it can be improved through a certain treatment like bypass surgery or an 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 particularly common to hospitals and clinics, thus test is well known to people. This is usually being used to assess and accurately diagnose any heart problems and diseases which may include post heart attack damages, heart valve problems, heart failures, cardiac tumors, and other diseases.

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.

The Cardiac MRI test may take approximately 1-2 hours. Electrodes are needed on the chest areas in order to monitor the heart rhythm. The health care providers will help the patient feel comfortable as possible in the scanner. The patient will be lying inside the scanner for some time and needs to be quiet. Intermittently, the patient will need to hold breath for few seconds while the pictures of the heart are being taken.




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