Cardiac MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to make detailed still and moving pictures of your heart and nearby blood vessels. MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, doesn't use X-rays.
The moving pictures show the chambers filling and squeezing, so doctors can measure how much blood the heart pumps. Other images show the muscle itself, including its thickness, signs of inflammation and areas of scar. The MRI team decides which parts of the scan you need, depending on the heart problem being investigated.
Call triple zero (000) for severe, worsening or persistent chest pain, or chest discomfort with breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain spreading to your arm, jaw or back.
Do not wait for a routine appointment or drive yourself to hospital.
You're usually awake, lying on a table that moves into the scanner's open-ended tunnel. A receiver called a coil sits over your chest and picks up the signals used to build the images. Sticky patches record your heartbeat so the scanner can time pictures to particular points in each beat. This reduces blurring from the heart's movement and lets a sequence of images show it filling and pumping.
The radiographer, who operates the scanner, helps you get into position. The scanner makes repeated knocking or tapping sounds, so you'll wear hearing protection. During parts of the scan, you'll be asked to hold your breath briefly to reduce movement from breathing. Let staff know if breath-holding is difficult or you have pain when lying flat.
You can speak with the radiographer through an intercom and have a call button to get their attention. Tell them if you feel unwell, too warm or uncomfortable. If enclosed spaces make you anxious, tell the MRI team before the day. Staff can talk through ways to help, including whether medicine to help you relax is suitable.
An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, may show weakened pumping without making the cause clear. MRI can look for a pattern of scarring from a previous heart attack or signs of heart muscle inflammation, called myocarditis. It can also help when ultrasound pictures aren't clear enough to assess the heart reliably.
Cardiac MRI is also used to examine heart muscle that is unusually thick or enlarged, as in the conditions called cardiomyopathies. It may clarify a valve problem or assess differences in heart structure that have been present since birth.
Some cardiac MRIs use a contrast medicine containing gadolinium, injected through a small tube in a vein. It helps doctors examine blood supply and identify changes such as scarring.
Tell the MRI team about any previous reaction to MRI contrast and any kidney disease. You may need a blood test to check your kidney function. Allergic reactions are uncommon, but a serious reaction is possible. The imaging doctor considers whether contrast is appropriate for you.
For some scans, medicine temporarily changes blood flow or makes the heart work harder. Comparing these pictures with the resting images can show areas of heart muscle that aren't getting enough blood.
The medicine can cause brief flushing, breathlessness or chest discomfort. Staff monitor your heart and blood pressure throughout. More serious reactions can occur, including an abnormal heart rhythm. The MRI team will explain the risks of the medicine they use.
The magnet can affect metal and implanted devices, so tell the MRI team about any implants, previous operations or metal fragments in your body, even if you've had an MRI before. You'll complete a safety questionnaire and remove items that aren't safe in the scanner room.
Having a pacemaker or defibrillator doesn't automatically rule out MRI. Staff need the exact details of the device and its leads to decide whether scanning is suitable. Some devices need programming and checks before and after the scan, and monitoring during it. Bring your device identification card.
Also mention pregnancy or possible pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney problems and allergies. Follow the instructions you're given about food, drinks and medicines. Before a stress MRI, you may be given specific rules about caffeine. Don't stop a medicine unless your doctor or the MRI team tells you to.
Many people can return to their usual activities afterwards. If you've had medicine to help you relax, you'll need someone to take you home and must follow the MRI team's advice about driving. Staff will explain any other precautions for the medicines you were given.
A specialist examines the images and sends a report to the doctor who referred you. Your cardiologist considers the report alongside your symptoms, blood tests and earlier imaging, because MRI doesn't always establish the cause on its own.
For example, findings that support a diagnosis of myocarditis may lead to treatment for weakened pumping or rhythm problems, a period without strenuous exercise and follow-up to check recovery. After a heart attack, the amount of scar can help assess how much pumping might recover if blood supply is improved. Doctors use that information when planning treatment, but the scan alone doesn't determine whether an operation is needed.
Your GP or specialist can refer you to a Heartscope cardiologist to discuss your heart symptoms or test results. If a cardiac MRI would help, the cardiologist can refer you to a hospital or imaging provider for the scan. The clinic can answer questions about the consultation.
Consultations are privately billed. If you're eligible, Medicare pays part of the consultation fee when you have a valid referral from your GP or specialist. The clinic will confirm the amount left to pay before the visit.
The hospital or imaging provider confirms the MRI fees, which are separate from the consultation fee.
Heartscope cardiologists see patients at clinics in Melbourne and Queensland. If you have a referral, our team can confirm the location and appointment details.
View clinic locationsNo. Heartscope cardiologists may be able to see patients with a valid referral from their GP or specialist. Its cardiologists can refer you for a cardiac MRI at a hospital or imaging provider.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess the heart's chambers, valves and pumping. MRI may add information about the heart muscle itself, particularly inflammation or scar tissue, or clarify something the ultrasound couldn't show clearly.
No. A CT coronary angiogram uses X-rays and injected contrast to look for narrowing in the arteries supplying the heart, while cardiac MRI is particularly useful for examining the heart muscle and measuring pumping.
Most adults are awake for the scan. If you think you'll struggle to stay in the scanner, tell the MRI team beforehand so they can discuss what would help.
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