What Can Cardiac MRI Diagnose?
When Is a Cardiac MRI Performed?
What to Expect During a Heart MRI?
Heart MRI is also known as cardiac MRI. This is a non-invasive medical imaging technique. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart. It is a safe and effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of heart conditions.
This is a diagnostic test that uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart. The images produced by a heart MRI can help doctors identify a range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle damage.
What Can Cardiac MRI Diagnose?
It can diagnose a range of heart conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease: The Cardiac MRI can help identify narrow or blocked arteries that can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
- Heart valve problems: The Cardiac MRI can help detect problems with heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage).
- Congenital heart defects: The Cardiac MRI can help diagnose congenital heart defects, which are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth.
- Heart muscle damage: The Cardiac MRI can help detect damage to the heart muscle caused by heart attacks or other cardiovascular problems.
When Is a Cardiac MRI Performed?
It may be performed if you have symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or if your doctor suspects you have a heart condition based on your medical history and physical exam. Doctors may also use it to monitor the progression of a known heart condition. Doctor may use it to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
Who Performs a Heart MRI?
A radiologist or a cardiologist may typically perform this. They have specialized training in cardiovascular imaging. A radiologic technologist may assist with the test.
How Does it Work?
During this MRI, you will lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine. You will need to remain still during the test, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. The machine will produce a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons in your body’s water molecules. Radio waves are then used to create a series of images that show the structure and function of your heart.
How to Prepare for Heart MRI?
Before a heart MRI, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a period of time, depending on the type of exam being performed. You should also inform your doctor if you have any metal implants or devices in your body, such as a pacemaker or aneurysm clips. Such things may interfere with the test.
What to Expect During a Heart MRI?
During the MRI, you will lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine. You may be given a contrast agent, which is a special dye that helps highlight certain areas of your heart on the images. The machine will make loud banging and clicking noises during the test, which can be bothersome for some people. Doctor might provide you with headphones/ earplugs. This is to block-out the noise produced. You will need to remain still during the test. Also, you may be asked to hold your breath at times to help produce clearer images.
What to Expect after a Heart MRI?
After a heart MRI, you can resume your normal activities right away. The images will be reviewed by the doctor and he will also discuss with you the results of the same & suggest follow-up appointments, if the need be like.
What Are the Side Effects ?
It is generally considered safe and does not expose you to radiation. However, some people may experience claustrophobia or anxiety during the test, and the contrast agent used in some exams may cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Meet Doctor Arun
This type of MRI is a safe and effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring a range of heart conditions. If you have symptoms of heart disease contact Doctor Arun for the best medical advice and treatment in this regard.
