Your consultant will let you know how to prepare and answer any questions you might have. Although an MRI is completely safe, the powerful magnetic field used means that not everyone is suitable for an MRI. It's important to tell your consultant if you have: an internal defibrillator, pacemaker or other implanted electronic device a cochlear implant artificial heart valves implanted drug ports artificial limbs or metallic joints implanted nerve stimulators surgical clips such as those used on brain aneurysms any pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples You must also remove any metal jewellery prior to your MRI.

Private Cardiac (Heart) MRI Scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart. A cardiac MRI creates detailed pictures of your heart and major blood vessels to help diagnose and treat heart problems.

Find a Cardiac MRI consultant

About having a cardiac MRI

A cardiac MRI is used to look at your heart's function and structure. The MRI scanner uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency waves and a computer to create detailed still and moving images of your heart.

These images can help in early diagnosis and treatment of suspected cardiac conditions.

Need to know

What happens during a Cardiac MRI?

The scan can take up to an hour to complete, depending on how many images are needed. You'll be asked to lie still on your back inside the scanner while images are taken.

The process is completely painless, however the scanner will make a loud knocking noise. You'll have the option of wearing earplugs or headphones during your scan, and you can even bring your own music to listen to.

Your consultant or a specialist nurse may inject a small amount of dye into your veins as part of the scan. This improves the visibility of your blood vessels on the images.

How to prepare

Your consultant will let you know how to prepare and answer any questions you might have. Although an MRI is completely safe, the powerful magnetic field used means that not everyone is suitable for an MRI. It's important to tell your consultant if you have:

an internal defibrillator, pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
a cochlear implant
artificial heart valves
implanted drug ports
artificial limbs or metallic joints
implanted nerve stimulators
surgical clips such as those used on brain aneurysms
any pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples

You must also remove any metal jewellery prior to your MRI.

Afterwards

,p>After your cardiac MRI, you shouldn't experience any pain or side effects. Your consultant will let you know about any possible side effects before your appointment. You'll be ready to go home as soon as the scan is complete. The images from your scan will be analysed and sent to your consultant or referring doctor who will follow up with any next steps or treatment needed.