What does the MRI of the Heart show?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is widely used radiology examination. This imaging technique uses principles of magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the body structures. Your doctor can use an
Cardiac MRI allows the doctors to see the structure and the function of the heart in
- Coronary heart disease
- Chronic or acute heart failure
- Heart valve diseases
- Congenital heart defects
- Pericarditis and other
inflammatory conditions - Cardiac tumors
Your doctor may use the MRI of the heart to detect or monitor:
- the anatomy and function of the heart chambers, valves, size and blood flow through the great arteries
- the effects of coronary artery disease such as limited blood flow to the heart muscle and scarring within the heart muscle after a heart attack.
- planning a patient’s treatment for cardiovascular diseases
- the progression of patient’s condition
- the post-surgical period in patients with congenital heart disease
In
How is the MRI of the heart performed?
The whole examination usually takes about 35-45 minutes. During the examination, the team of specialists will communicate with you through the microphone. You will be asked to breathe in, breathe out or to hold his breath in a various stage of the exam. It is very important to follow the instructions and to lie very still.
Patients do not have problems with implanted coronary stents, however, those with the pacemaker are usually not scanned. Click here for more information.
Do you know how to prepare yourself for your MRI of the heart? Read this article to be ready.
