MRI Scans
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) is a technique which produces extremely
detailed pictures of your internal organs. MRI is only available in
a few specialised units in the UK.
What happens during an MRI?
You will need to lay down in a short tunnel around which there
is a large magnet. Short bursts of
magnetic fields and radio waves
from the MRI scanner allow images to be created, processed and
analysed. The test takes about an hour.
An MRI does not cause any pain or discomfort.
However, if you are afraid of enclosed spaces
(claustrophobic), you may find this type of scan difficult. Alert
your doctor or the person doing the test, so that they can make it
as comfortable as possible for you.
What can an MRI show?
An MRI is very good at showing the structure of
your heart and blood vessels around it.
It can also measure the flow of blood through the heart and some of
the major arteries. An MRI may be helpful if it is
suspected that you were born with an abnormality in the structure
of your heart. It can also be useful when investigating conditions
such as
cardiomyopathy or coronary
heart disease.
Is an MRI suitable for everyone?
An MRI is not suitable for you if you have a
pacemaker or an
implantable cardioverter
defibrillator (ICD) because it can interfere with the
way they work. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have
any metal or other implants in
your body such as metal pins or plates or ear implants.
For more information on MRI scans please see our booklet
Tests for heart conditions
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