Cardiac MRI in Essex and London
What is a Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI (cardiovascular magnetic resonance) gives the most detailed available images of the heart muscle itself - its structure, function, and, crucially, evidence of scarring or inflammation that other scans can miss.
Why I use it
I request cardiac MRI when I need a precise picture of heart muscle health - for example, in unexplained heart failure, suspected cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, or after a heart attack, to assess the extent of any damage. It's also valuable for detailed valve and congenital heart assessment.
What to expect
You'll lie in the MRI scanner for around 45–60 minutes. It's painless, though the scanner is enclosed and noisy - ear protection is provided. Most scans use a contrast dye given through a small cannula partway through.
Getting your results
I interpret the scan personally and talk you through the findings, with particular attention to what they mean for your ongoing treatment plan.
FAQ
Is cardiac MRI safe?
Yes, it uses magnetic fields rather than radiation. I'll check for anything that might make MRI unsuitable, such as certain implanted devices, before booking.
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Some patients do. Let me know in advance if you're prone to claustrophobia, and we can discuss ways to make this more comfortable.
How is cardiac MRI different from a CT or echocardiogram?
MRI gives the most detailed view of the heart muscle tissue itself, including scarring, which CT and ultrasound cannot show as clearly.
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
Generally no specific preparation, though I'll confirm if anything applies to your particular scan.
