Magnetic Resonance provides anatomical and functional detail of the heart. MR uses magnetism and radio waves rather than X-rays.

Patients with pace makers, aneurysm clips or ferromagnetic metallic objects must advise the MRI staff when making your booking.

Stainless steel / titanium orthopaedic prostheses are, however, not a contra-indication. As you are placed in a tubular gantry, you may experience claustrophobia but our dedicated staff have protocols and techniques to overcome this.

It is very important that you remain still and are comfortable in the scanner and therefore intravenous sedation is sometimes required.

You will be required to lie on the MRI bed on your back. A brace-like support will be secured over your chest area. The radiographer will connect you to ECG lead to monitor your heart rate during the examination. The table will then move into a wide-bore tubular gantry, which is open at both ends. During the examination you will be in constant voice contact with the Radiographer. The radiographer may ask you to hold your breath for certain sequences. You will be given headsets to facilitate the verbal instructions by the radiographer. If sedation is used your pulse and oxygen saturation levels will be monitored with a pulse oximeter. This is a small clip attached to your finger. During the examination, a relatively loud knocking noise may be heard, but this is normal. You may experience vibrations during part of the studies. The examination is entirely painless and usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

There are no post-procedure side effects and you may continue normal activity. However, if sedation was used you will be instructed not to drive after the examination.