Cardiac MRI

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a method of imaging the heart and surrounding

blood vessels

using a non-invasive magnetic field. A cardiac MRI does not use any form of radiation. A cardiac MRI is normally ordered when someone is experiencing heart problems. The test will provide detailed 2D and 3D pictures of the

heart structure

as well as show how well blood flows through the heart and major blood vessels. A

radiologist

or

MRI technologist

will usually perform the test. A

cardiologist

will use the test results to diagnose cardiac conditions such as

coronary heart disease

, problems with the heart valves,

pericarditis

(inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart muscle),

cardiac tumours

, narrowed or blocked arteries and damage from heart attacks. Due to the magnet used, patients with

metal implants

, screws or

pacemakers

are unable to have a cardiac MRI. A

cardiac CT

scan may be performed instead.