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What Is 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 will be used if immediate evaluation is required from a patient's heart and other parts of it like the aorta, pulmonary arteries, pericardium, etc. Prior to test, the patient must be prepared physically and emotionally. If there is a need for contrast injection, the patient must go on a fasting three hours before undergoing the test. The need to attached electrodes on the chest area is necessary in this test.

Cardiac MRI is a common test to people because it is widely used in hospitals and clinics in order to assess as well as diagnose different conditions, illness, and diseases related to the heart including heart attack and related damages, heart valve conditions, heart failure, cardiac tumors and many more.

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.

Usually, the Cardiac MRI test will take about 1 to 2 and half hours. The electrodes are required to be attached on the chest of the patient to monitor the heart and its rhythm. The medical professional will make sure the patient will feel comfortable and relaxed while on the scanner. The patient need to lie down quietly on the scanner for few minutes and intermittently the patient need to hold breath for only a few seconds while on the test especially if the picture is being taken.




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