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Thursday, 5 September 2013

Cardiac MRI

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By E. Cochen


What is Cardiac MRI? Well, first MRI means Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a test for assessing and evaluating the heart. This is actually a particularly accurate test and can provide quality information about a heart, its structure as well as its functions. This is also used in order to accurately evaluate the all the important blood vessel of the heart and also its current status. This test is basically considered noninvasive, why? It's because the need for surgery is not required, and of course there will be no instruments to be inserted in a patient's body just to create some detailed photo of the heart and its surrounding tissues.

The MRI testing needs contrast or gadolinium injection. It is being used to get information of the heart and its blood supply and also to get the amount of the scarring muscles of the heart if there's any. Actually, this test is being conducted for different reasons. It is intended to investigate any unusual findings or any structural abnormalities from the imaging test. In addition to that, this is also being conducted in order to monitor and assess how thick the heart muscles of the patient can be. In some cases, this test is necessary to evaluate the function of the heart and learn if it can be improved through a certain treatment like bypass surgery or an angioplasty.

Cardiac MRI will be used if immediate evaluation is required from a patient's heart and other parts of it like the aorta, pulmonary arteries, pericardium, etc. Prior to test, the patient must be prepared physically and emotionally. If there is a need for contrast injection, the patient must go on a fasting three hours before undergoing the test. The need to attached electrodes on the chest area is necessary in this test.

Cardiac MRI is a common test to people because it is widely used in hospitals and clinics in order to assess as well as diagnose different conditions, illness, and diseases related to the heart including heart attack and related damages, heart valve conditions, heart failure, cardiac tumors and many more.

MRI testing is proven safe and effective since there will be no radiation exposure. Side effects are highly rare. Some patients will just feel anxious, and others may feel claustrophobic when inside the scanner. This test is actually not dangerous. However, patients may feel uncomfortable. Listening to music and closing the eyes can be a way to help a patient feel relaxed when undergoing the test. There will be a technician to assist the patient and will be in contact with the patient, this person will let the patient know what's happening while on the test. If necessary, the patient will be given medication to relax. The gadolinium injection is also safe, and it has low risks of developing side effects.

Cardiac MRI test usually takes one to two and a half hours. The electrodes will be attached on the patient's chest in order to monitor the heart as well as its rhythm. Health care providers will see to it that the patient is relaxed and comfortable while inside the scanner. The patient will lie down on the scanner and needs to be quite for several minutes and will be required to hold breath intermittently while photos of the heart are being taken.




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