What is Cardiac MRI?
- Cardiac MR or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an investigation that has the advantage of not using ionising (x-ray based) radiation and offers detailed images of the heart and blood vessels.
- Most cardiac scans will require a contrast injection which does carry certain risks which your clinician will explain to you.
- Prior to having your scan you will be asked to complete an MRI Safety Questionnaire, please contact the Radiology Department if you have answered yes to any of the questions on 01483 227800 as this may result in a delay to your appointment.
What happens on the day of your Cardiac Scan?
- On arrival in the department you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff and asked to either provide the completed safety form sent to you with details of your scan or to check one previously completed for any changes. You will then be collected by the clinical staff that will show you to a changing cubicle where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. At this point, we will normally go through and check the safety forms you completed, medication, etc. You will be able to lock away your clothes and valuables in a locker but we do advise that you leave any non-essential items of value at home.
- We will bring you around to the preparation area where the clinical staff will explain the scan procedure to you and answer any questions that you may have. Depending upon the type of scan you’re having, the preparation will include recording your height and weight, placing ECG stickers on your chest (after specific skin preparation and shaving where necessary), and placement of Intravenous cannulas used for administering medication during your scan.
- You will then be escorted into the scan room where you will lie on the scanner table. Various monitoring equipment and other equipment to capture the images will be placed on and around you.
- You will be given a buzzer which you can squeeze if you need to stop the scan. We will also give you earplugs and headphones to wear, through which you will hear the instructions that we need you to follow in order for us to obtain good images. We do not offer music for patients undergoing cardiac scans as it tends to distract from the requirements for the scan for holding your breath.
- Your scan will commence and will, on average, last around an hour. Throughout your scan the radiographer will be in contact with you checking that you are alright as well as giving you the required instructions. For most cardiac MRI scans you will hear an automated voice instruction to follow. You will be asked to ‘Breathe In’, Breathe Out’ and hold your breath (holding your breath out). You will then hear noise for up to 20 seconds, followed by the instruction to ‘resume breathing’. The radiographer will be monitoring your ability to hold your breath.
- On completion of your scan you will be asked to get changed and you are free to leave the unit. If you have had contract or other medications administered you may be asked to remain in the department for up to 30 minutes. You should expect to be in the MRI unit for up to 3 hours in total.
- A specialist Cardiology Consultant will prepare a report from your scan and you will not receive the results on the day of your scan in most circumstances. The scan report will be sent to your referring doctor (usually Cardiologist, but sometimes Oncologist or Haematologist).
How to prepare for a Cardiac MRI Stress Perfusion Scan
Do not drink or eat anything that contains caffeine for 24 hours prior to your examination. This is very important, as it will invalidate the results of the test.
Caffeine is found in TEA and COFFEE (THERE ARE ALSO TRACES OF CAFFEINE IN DECAFFEINATED TEA, GREEN TEAS AND DECAF COFFEES AND SO THESE MUST ALSO BE AVOIDED). All fizzy drinks (including Lucozade, Lemonade, Iron Bru, Red Bull etc.) contain caffeine as well as all chocolate products products including hot drinks and ice-cream.
It is best to drink only only water, milk, fruit juice, squash or plain Horlicks prior to the examination.
You may eat normally as long as the product is caffeine free. If you are not sure whether a product contains caffeine, don’t consume it.
Please do not eat anything in the 2 hours prior to your appointment time but do drink plenty of water.
Some painkillers and cold remedies also contain caffeine. Please check the ingredients before taking any.
Medication
Please bring with you to the appointment any sprays or inhalers that you are taking. If you are on any medication from your doctor please continue to take it as normal. HOWEVER, if you are taking medication known as Dipridamole/Persantin or Nicorandil/Ikorel, or any nitrates please stop this for 24 hours prior to the scan appointment.
Please list all of the drugs that you are currently taking and bring this with you to your appointment.