Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool that utilizes the latest MRI technology to create multi-dimensional images of your beating heart. Cardiac MRI offers complementary information to other cardiac imaging modalities, such as electrocardiogram (EKG), to gather structural and functional information about your heart and surrounding area, such as blood vessels within your chest.

Exam preparation

• A Saint Anthony-Valparaiso representative will call you prior to your appointment to provide you specific instructions for your exam, and review health and insurance information.
  
• Please bring to your appointment previous imaging study results (MRI, CT, x-rays) such as reports, films or CD-Roms, if available.
  
• Because of the magnetic field, you will be asked to wear metal-free clothing, or to change into a gown. You also will be asked to remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, watches, and hair clips.
  
• Inform your technologist of prior surgeries or metal implants, such as pacemakers or aneurysm clips.
  
• Notify a member of CDI’s staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
  
• Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration.

During the exam – what to expect

• Once comfortably positioned lying down, electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor your heart rhythm, and a special imaging device (called a coil) is secured over your chest.
  
• The table is moved into the magnet opening. As images are acquired, you will hear “knocking” and/or “buzzing” sounds for a few minutes at a time.
  
• It is important to lie as still as possible during this part of the exam. You will be asked to hold your breath for several seconds at a time as MR pictures are taken of your heart.
  
• For examination of the heart, contrast material (gadolinium) may be used to enhance the visibility of the heart’s chambers and major vessels. The contrast is very safe with a very low risk of side effects.
  
• If you have a history of diabetes or kidney disease, a BUN/creatinine lab test may need to be performed prior to receiving contrast during your exam. Results are available within minutes.
  
• A small needle connected to an intravenous line is placed in an arm vein. A saline solution will drip through the intravenous line to prevent clotting until the contrast material is injected, about two-thirds of the way through the exam.
  
• Once the contrast is injected, you will feel a cold, flushed sensation, and may experience a salty taste in your mouth that lasts for about two minutes.
  
• Time in the scanner will range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on the areas of the heart and chest being evaluated. Plan to be at our center for one to two hours.

After the exam – what to expect

• A cardiologist will review your images and prepare a diagnostic report to share with your doctor.
  
• Your doctor will consider this information in context of your overall care, and will talk with you about the results.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our center at 219.476.7226.