Cardiac MRI
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about cardiac MRI. If you still have any unanswered questions please call us on 01242 535900
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces very detailed pictures of any part of the body in any direction. The scanner uses a high-strength magnet, radio waves and computers to generate images. MRI is a very safe way of producing images that can be used to diagnose medical conditions.
Your doctor has decided an MRI scan is the best option for you to diagnose or assess your condition.
If you are having a stress/ perfusion test (you will be advised by our bookings team when we are making your appointment if this is the case) you must stop taking any products which contain caffeine for 24 hours before the test, for example tea, coffee, chocolate or any fizzy drinks that contain caffeine. This includes decaffeinated products as well.
A hair free chest is required for this scan in order to apply ECG electrodes (stickers) to your skin. For this reason, we need chest hair to be removed prior to arriving crucially in the upper right section of the chest and lower left section underneath the breast tissue area. We do have razors available in the department if required. On the day of your scan, please avoid using oils or lotions on your skin. One of our specialist team will meet you and help you to prepare for your scan. We will complete a safety checklist with you and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form before your scan. You will need to remove any drug administration patches for the duration of the scan because they may contain metal or affect the dose delivered during the scan.
You will be asked to remove any metal objects such as jewellery, hair grips, piercings, watches, hearing aids and any electronic devices before entering the scan room because of the powerful magnet that is used to scan. A
hospital gown will be provided for you to wear, which will enable access to your chest during the scan. You are able to wear a soft and metal free crop top, if you have one and would like to.
A special needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm to deliver the contrast agent. Contrast is a colourless fluid that enables clearer images of the heart and blood vessels. You will be asked about allergies and you will receive further information about the contrast from the bookings team.
Before and after a stress/ perfusion scan, our on-site paramedic will measure your blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff.
A radiographer will position you on a flat bed which slides into the scanner. During all cardiac scans the radiographer will need access to your chest to apply ECG electrodes (stickers).
They will clean your chest with a cold gel to ensure the electrodes stick correctly. Once applied, the ECG lead is then connected to the electrodes. The scanner is very noisy when it is taking pictures so we will provide you with ear protection.
A piece of equipment will be laid across your chest.
Our specialist team can see you at all times during your scan and can communicate through an intercom system. It is important that you remain very still to help us get good quality pictures. You will be asked to hold your breath for periods ranging from 8-15 seconds in duration. You will be given a buzzer so you can alert the team at any point during your scan, if you need help.
If a stress cardiac scan has been requested: We will exercise the heart with a fluid delivered through a special needle. The total exercise duration is one-two minutes, then we administer another fluid, to reverse the effect and bring your heart rate back to normal.
During the stress scan you may experience facial flushing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or light-headedness. These are expected symptoms and resolve shortly after the antidote drug is administered. However, you may not experience any symptoms.
Cardiac MRI scans usually take around one hour, expect to be in the MRI department for approximately two hours.
There are usually no after-effects from your scan or injection. You can carry on with all of your normal activities straight away, including driving.
Your referrer should receive your scan report within a week. We advise that you should make an appointment with your referrer to discuss the results. Our radiographers will not be able to give you your results on the day of your scan as the images need to be studied and a report written by a specialist doctor.
We are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to visit us before your scan, please call us on 01242 535900.