Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that captures pictures of your heart and blood vessels. It can help doctors diagnose complex heart conditions and provide detailed information about how your heart works.

The University of Miami Health System’s imaging specialists provide cutting-edge cardiac MRI imaging in South Florida. We use the latest technology and techniques to achieve more precise diagnoses and personalized, effective patient care.

What is a cardiac MRI?

A cardiac MRI requires no radiation. Instead, it uses a magnetic field and radio waves to provide moving images of your heart. It can provide two-dimensional and three-dimensional images that tell us about your heart’s size, function, and tissue.

A heart MRI test can help us learn more about:

• Movement of blood through your heart’s valves and chambers
• Possible damage to your heart from a heart attack or infection
• What treatments will work best to treat cardiac conditions

Why would I need a cardiac MRI?

Our team uses cardiac MRIs to help diagnose and treat conditions such as:

• Artery blockages
• Blood clots
• Cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart)
• Congenital defects (present at birth)
• Damage from a heart attack or infection
• Heart failure
• Heart valve issues
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)

Cardiac MRI can help heart specialists plan for a cardiac procedure or see if a heart treatment is working.

How do I prepare for a cardiac MRI?

We’ll explain what to expect and how to get ready. For example:

• Generally, you can eat and drink as usual unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Usually, you can keep taking your regular medicines unless your provider says to make a change.
• You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes with no jewelry or metal (for example, no zipper or bra clasp).

What if I’m afraid of enclosed spaces with an MRI?

Tell us before your test if you’re claustrophobic or afraid of enclosed spaces. If needed, we can prescribe a sedative to help you feel more at ease in the MRI scanner.

How long does a cardiac MRI take?

The total time an MRI scan takes can vary. Generally, it ranges from 30 to 90 minutes.

What happens during a cardiac MRI?

• You may be able to wear your regular clothes if they don’t have any metal on them. Otherwise, you’ll change into a hospital gown.
• To help get more detailed images, we may give you a contrast substance such as gadolinium. If so, we administer this through an IV in your arm.
• For the test, you’ll lie on your back on a table that slides into the MRI machine, which is shaped like a long tube. During the scan, you’ll hear metal coils banging inside the scanner. This can be loud, but don’t worry – it’s part of the normal scanning process.
• We’ll instruct you on your breathing and remind you to stay still. If you move during the scan, this can blur the images.
• We’re with you the whole time, committed to keeping you as comfortable as possible. You can talk with us through headphones or listen to music during your scan.
• After your MRI, you can go home and resume your normal activities. If you took a sedative to relax, arrange to have someone drive you home. Otherwise, you can drive yourself.

What are the risks and side effects of a cardiac MRI?

A cardiac MRI uses no radiation and is safe for most people. Possible risks can include:

• Metal implants. Cardiac MRIs pose a possible risk for individuals with metal in their body or implanted devices like a pacemaker. If you have an implant and need a cardiac MRI, we can discuss protective measures and safety protocols with you.
• Contrast. If you receive IV contrast for your MRI, you may experience a temporary metal taste. Although rare, you may also have nausea or a headache.

Why Choose UHealth?

Faster, more accurate, more precise diagnosis and treatment. Our comprehensive, advanced cardiac imaging services distinguish us in South Florida – and MRI plays a vital role. We’re a leader in cardiac MRI scans, which can support faster, more accurate diagnosis and better outcomes. We were the first in the area to do cardiac MRI scans for patients with pacemakers who need this type of advanced imaging.

Innovative, advanced cardiomyopathy care. Cardiac MRI can be especially effective in diagnosing cardiomyopathy – a heart muscle disease that may lead to heart failure. Our team is uniquely equipped to support patients with this condition. Along with expert diagnosis, we provide leading-edge treatments – from minimally invasive procedures to heart transplants.

Skilled, multidisciplinary cardiovascular team. Our skilled providers are backed by a highly trained team of cardiac specialists to support you every step of the way in your diagnosis and treatment. We collaborate to create a personalized care plan and ensure the best possible treatment strategy.

Artificial-intelligence-powered imaging. As an academic medical center, we’re pioneering new ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help us achieve faster, better diagnoses. We’re also using AI to plan for complex procedures and train care providers on the latest techniques in cardiac care. This promises to support better outcomes and peace of mind for patients in the treatment of heart disease.

New cardiac technology center in South Florida. To further research and development into new innovations, we recently opened the Center for Digital Cardiovascular Innovations at our Miller School of Medicine. This unites researchers and others to discover the next technologies in heart medicine and bring them here for you.