An MRI of the heart? (Cardiac MRI) Don't be afraid, let's learn everything about it!

Has your doctor told you to have an MRI scan of your heart? You might be a little scared and a little nervous when you hear the name. When we think of 'MRI', we think of a big machine, a loud noise, and being alone inside. But it's actually not as scary as you might think. It's a very safe test that gives your doctor a lot of valuable information about your heart . Today, we'll talk about what a Cardiac MRI is, why it's done, how it's done, and how to prepare for it in a simple way so that you can understand it.

What is a cardiac MRI?

Simply put, a Cardiac MRI is a test that takes very clear, detailed images of your heart. It's like a 'blueprint' of your heart. These images are made using strong magnets and radio waves. The most important thing to know is that this test doesn't use any radiation , like X- rays. So it's very safe.

From these images, a doctor can:

• See how healthy the parts of your heart are, namely the chambers, valves, and muscles .
• See exactly how well the heart is working, that is, how it pumps blood.
• These images can even clearly see how blood moves inside the heart.

These images can be taken in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D). It's like a 3D movie of your heart. These clear images help your doctor determine exactly what your condition is.

In what situations would a doctor recommend this scan?

The doctor orders this test when he wants to get a complete understanding of the structure and function of your heart . Imagine that there is something wrong with your car's engine, but it cannot be seen from the outside. It is like a mechanic using special equipment to look at the parts inside the engine.

A Cardiac MRI is very useful in cases like these:

• Find the cause of your symptoms: If you have symptoms like frequent chest pain , shortness of breath , or shortness of breath , this can help you find the exact cause.
• Diagnose heart disease: It can accurately diagnose many diseases such as congenital heart disease , heart failure , heart masses, valve disease, and inflammation of the membrane around the heart (pericardium).
• Check for damage to the heart: This is used to see if the heart muscle has been damaged after a heart attack, if there are areas of reduced blood flow, if there is infection or other deposits.
• Plan treatment: Before some heart treatments, such as ablation, this scan can help pinpoint the exact location of the problem.
• Measure the success of treatments: This is used to see how well your heart has recovered from the treatments you are receiving and to check the condition of your heart after surgery.

How does this scan work?

As we mentioned before, there is no radiation involved. The large magnet in this machine sends a small signal to the water molecules in our bodies. That signal is then taken back and used by a computer to create a very clear, detailed picture.

Sometimes, a small cannula (an `IV line`) is placed in a vein in your arm, and a special liquid (a `contrast dye`) is injected through it. Don't be alarmed by this. This will make any problems in your heart appear clearer and brighter on the pictures. It's like coloring in an important area in a black and white picture.

Compared to other tests, such as a CT scan, the images obtained from a Cardiac MRI are much clearer and more detailed, making it possible to detect even difficult-to-diagnose conditions.

This scan can usually take between 30 minutes and an hour and a half . During that time, the staff will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds at certain times. This is what makes a Cardiac MRI different from a regular MRI. Why is it done? Because when we breathe, our chest rises and falls, and our heart moves. Holding your breath for a while allows the heart to remain still, allowing for a very clear picture without blurring.

How should I prepare before the scan?

This doesn't require much preparation, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

A few days before the scan

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, especially to medications.
• Do you have any kidney disease?If there is, you should definitely tell us about it. Because the `contrast dye` we mentioned earlier is removed from the body by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the doctor may decide not to use that fluid.
• If you have a fear of being in small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) , tell your doctor about it in advance. Your doctor may prescribe a sedative to take before the scan. If you take this medication, you will not be able to drive, so it is essential to have someone to drive you home and back.

On the day of the scan

Be especially careful about these things.

What happens during the scan?

When you go into the MRI room, you'll see a machine that looks like a big donut. Don't be scared by that.

1. The technologist will make you lie down on a bed.

2. If contrast dye is needed, a small cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm.

3. Stick some `ECG` stickers on your chest to monitor your heart rate. You can also wear a belt around your chest to monitor your breathing.

4. Then, the bed you are in moves into the machine.

5. Even though the technician goes to a separate room, he can see you clearly through a glass. You can also talk to him through a microphone. If you feel any discomfort, you will be given a small button (call button) that you can hold in your hand to report it.

6. The machine makes a loud noise when it's working. It's like something banging, or like the sound of an old video game. So you'll be given earplugs to protect your ears, and maybe headphones to listen to music.

7. It is very important to stay as still as possible during this time. If you move, the images may become blurry and you may have to rescan. So try to stay as still as possible.

What happens after the scan? And are there any risks?

When the scan is over, you will be released from the bed. If you had a cannula, it will be removed. You will then be able to change clothes and go home. If you were given contrast dye, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help the dye to leave your body quickly.

Risks and Side Effects

This is a very safe test, but there are a few things to be aware of:

• Metal objects in your body: The biggest risk is if you have metal objects inside your body. For example , an old-style pacemaker, clips from some surgeries, and artificial joints . These can be attracted to the machine's powerful magnet and cause damage. So if you have anything metal in your body, you should definitely tell the doctor and staff before the scan. Most of the equipment that comes out now is MRI-safe, but it's your responsibility to make sure you know about it.
• Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This scan is not usually recommended during the first three months of pregnancy.
• Side effects of contrast dye: Some people may experience slight bruising where the dye was injected. There may also be a temporary metallic taste in the mouth. Allergic reactions to this dye are rare. If you experience any itching or a headache, please inform the staff.

How do I get the report?

Your scans will be carefully reviewed by a radiologist or cardiologist, who will write a detailed report about what they see.

The report is then sent to the doctor who recommended the scan for you. This can usually take a few days. When you next see the doctor, he or she will explain the report to you and discuss any further treatment options.