Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a phenomenal tool for getting detailed pictures of your heart. For decades this tool has helped medical practitioners diagnose and treat a plethora of conditions.
In this article we’ll dive into what a Cardiac MRI is, some of the conditions it can help diagnose, and a few things you should consider when going for one.
Before we dive in, did you know that MRIs are built on the scientific principle of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or NMR? NMR deals with the behaviour of atomic nuclei in a strong magnetic field when exposed to radio waves!
What is a Cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI simply refers to an MRI of the heart. It uses powerful magnetic fields in combination with radio waves to create immensely detailed cross-sectional images of your heart.
Contrary to popular belief, MRIs do not involve any radiation like X-rays do. The cylindrical shape of an MRI machine captures images from different angles and gives your doctor the ability to examine your heart, its structure, and how well it is functioning in incredible detail.
What can a Cardiac MRI diagnose?
As previously mentioned, cardiac MRIs are a valuable tool when it comes to diagnosing a range of heart conditions, some of them include:
- Heart attack damage which can be visualised with help from a cardiac MRI.
- Congenital heart defects, these are present from birth and affect the heart’s chambers, blood vessels, or valves.
- Coronary artery disease due to narrowed arteries which limit blood flow to the heart.
- Heart valve disease which refers to the abnormal functioning of the heart’s valves.
- Cardiomyopathy, sometimes called heart muscle disease is the weakening of the heart and its ability to pump blood.
- Myocarditis which is the inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium.
- Heart tumours although uncommon, cardiac MRIs can be used to detect tumours.
What does a Cardiac MRI tell your Doctor?
Since MRIs provide such detailed images of whatever they are scanning, your doctor can gather a number of crucial pieces of information such as:
- The size, shape, and general movement of your heart’s chambers.
- Blood flow through your arteries and heart chambers.
- Scar tissue or any abnormalities.
- The thickness of your heart muscle.
- The condition of your heart’s valves.
This information is gathered and can be used to diagnose a number of heart-specific conditions such as the ones listed earlier.
Why you would need a Cardiac MRI
If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of a heart condition your doctor may recommend a cardiac MRI to aid in diagnosing the potential issue. Some examples include shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, or excessive fatigue.
People who have a high risk of heart disease such as those with a family history may also be advised to get a cardiac MRI. For people with an existing heart condition, a cardiac MRI may be recommended to monitor how effective any treatment they are undergoing is.
Considerations when getting a Cardiac MRI
MRIs are widely considered to be safer than X-rays due to the lack of radiation used. Although X-rays only use low doses of ionising radiation, MRIs are often seen as safer since they use a combination of magnetic and radio waves which are relatively harmless.
That being said, patients with medical implants such as defibrillators and pacemakers may want to consider alternatives since this can interfere with the magnetic field.
Claustrophobia is also a factor for MRIs due to the enclosed nature of an MRI machine. It is essential to discuss any potential concerns with your doctor as they can best advise whether a cardiac MRI is right for you.
Where can I get an MRI?
At Bergman Ross our continual aim is to provide a radiological service of the highest standard. Particular attention is given to making accurate diagnosis for our referring doctors, maximising patient care, and minimising wait times.
If you are looking for a MRI in the Western Cape you can visit any of our Bergman Ross & Partners radiology groups in the following locations:
Bergman Ross at the N1 City Hospital
Directions: Bergman Ross N1 City Hospital
Call us: 021 595 1370
Bergman Ross Kuils River Netcare Hospital
Directions: Bergman Ross Kuils River Netcare Hospital
Call us: 021 276 4177