Cardiac (Heart) MRI Overview & Technique

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. The procedure is valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions in all parts of the body, including heart and vascular disease, stroke, cancer and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. MRI is unique in that it can also create detailed images of blood vessels without the use of contrast material (although there is a trend toward the use of special non-iodinated MRI contrast material—for example, gadolinium). MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

Cardiac MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

Cardiad MRI is also knows as heart MRI, cardiac MR imaging, heart MR imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging of the heart, cardiac mri, heart MRI, cardiac MR imaging, heart MR imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging of the heart, CT scan, mri positive findings, cardiac mri cardiac mri scan, cardiac mr imaging benefits, heart mri risks, cardiac mri, MRI Cardiac (heart) w/o contrast 75557, MRI Cardiac w/flow velocity w/o contrast 75558, MRI Cardiac w/flow velocity/stress imag. 75559, MRI Cardiac (heart) with & w/o contrast 75561, MRI Cardiac (heart) w/flow velocity with & w/o contrast 75562

Heart MRI - Benefits & Risks versus Other Diagnostic Tests

• MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
• MRI images of the heart are generally clearer and more detailed than with some other imaging methods. This detail makes MRI an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of cardiac abnormalities, especially those involving the heart muscle.
• MRI has proven valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including cardiac anatomical anomalies (congenital defects, etc.), functional abnormalities (valve failure, etc.), tumors and ischemic and degenerative conditions.
• MRI can help physicians evaluate both the structure of an organ and how it is working.
• MRI enables the discovery of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone with other imaging methods.
• The contrast material used in MRI exams is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.
• Cardiac MRI allows physicians to quickly examine the structures and function of the heart and major vessels, without the risks associated with traditional, more invasive procedures.

MRI of the Heart - Common Positive Findings

• Magnetic resonance imaging is becoming very important in the initial diagnosis and subsequent management of coronary heart disease.
• MRI can help physicians to look closely at the structures and function of the heart and major vessels quickly and thoroughly, without the risks associated with traditional, more invasive procedures.
• Using MRI, physicians can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart, and determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease.
• After a heart attack, for example, an MRI examination can help the cardiologist understand how well the heart is pumping, whether the flow of blood is blocked in any chamber or major vessel, whether the heart muscles are damaged or whether the lining of the heart is swelling. This is critical knowledge needed to administer prompt and effective treatment.
• MRI can also detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels, making it an invaluable tool for detecting and evaluating coronary artery disease. Recently, specialists in MRI have demonstrated its potential for showing not only the structure, but also the function of the heart muscles, valves and vessels.
• Using MRI, they have created movie-like images of the beating heart that doctors can use to diagnose a variety of cardiovascular problems.
• More and more, MRI is being used as part of the traditional cardiac stress test to help physicians with earlier diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and to assess the patient’s recovery after treatment.

Cardiac MRI - Images

Cardiac MRI - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Heart MRI Today! 

• If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

• If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

• If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.

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• Cardiac MRI benefits, positive findings, risks, and overview.
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