Whom Heart (MRI) is for?

A cardiac MRI is a common test used to assess and diagnose several heart conditions including:

1. Congenital heart defects
2. Coronary heart disease
3. Damage from a heart attack
4. Heart failure
5. Heart valve defects
6. Inflammation of the membrane around the heart (pericarditis)
7. Clots in the Heart chambers

What to expect before the procedure?

1. Before your procedure, your doctor will review your medical history, including allergies and medications you take. The team may perform a physical exam and check your vital signs including blood pressure and pulse.
2. The doctor will obtain verbal and written consent ( after explaining procedure and potential complications)
3. You MUST, remove all metal, such as body jewellery, watches, and earrings.
4. You will be asked not to drink or eat anything for at least 4-6 hours before the procedure.
5. An IV line is inserted into a vein in your arm for IV fluids
6. Medications may be given, depends on the type of diagnosis your doctor is looking for.

Risks

There are no risks of radiations for an MRI and have few side effects. Cardiac-MRI uses powerful magnets to obtain images and therefore the presence of metal in your body may be a safety hazard or affect a portion of the MRI image. You must therefore let the doctor/ technologist know about:

1. Artificial heart valves
2. Metallic joint prostheses or any other metals
3. An implantable heart defibrillator or Pacemaker
4. Cochlear implants
5. A bullet, shrapnel or any other type of metal fragment

Important Information: In addition to above

1. If you have tattoos, the MRI may affect the color.
2. If pregnant – discuss with your doctor.
3. If kidney problem, the dye use may effect kidneys.

What to expect during the procedure

1. For the procedure, you will be transferred inside a MRI- room.
2. You will be asked to lie on a special table/bench, which slowly slides into the tube of MRI machine.
3. The machine will make loud whirring and thumping noises as it takes pictures of your heart. You may be given earplugs or headphones.
4. The technician will ask you to hold breath for a few seconds.
5. The procedure may take upto 30-90 minutes.

How long does the procedure last?

1. This procedure may take upto 30 to 90 minutes, but may require more timings if any abnormalities noted

After Heart (MRI)

1. You may return to your normal activities unless your doctor tells you otherwise
2. You are encouraged to drink more fluids if Contrast (dye) used.
3. It may take some time for your doctor to review and interpret the images.

Upcoming soon....