Back to treatments

Cardiac MRI

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which is a way of taking highly detailed images of inside the body. The MRI scanner is a large hollow tube which is open at both ends. The MRI scanner does not use x-rays, it’s a strong magnet and uses the magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the structure inside the body. The scanner makes very loud tapping or buzzing noises. This is normal and part of how the MRI scanner works.

Preparing for your scan

Please avoid eating a heavy meal before your scan and only drink water. Please no caffeine on the day of your scan, no tea, coffee, fizzy drinks or chocolate. Try to wear comfortable clothing with minimal metal fastening, but we will ask you to put on a hospital gown to cover your top half. A locker will be provided for your valuables and belongings.

The radiographer will explain the examination to you, they will need to do your height and weight. They will also prep you for the scan, the radiographers will need to place ECG stickers on your chest, and we may need to shave your chest in order to do this. We will also need to insert a small cannula into the vein in your arm.

What does the scan involve?

You will be taken into the scanning room and asked to lie on the table; we will use pillows and pads to make you comfortable. ECG leads will be attached to the stickers and this will let us monitor your heart rate during the scan. The area we are scanning will always be in the centre of the scanner, you will go in feet first. You will be offered headphones and through the headphones you will be able to listen to music. You will also be given a call bell, which if pressed will stop the scan and allow staff attend to you immediately. The examination will require you to hold your breath a number of times. During the scan the radiographers will inject you with a clear contrast dye; this highlights some structures more clearly.

How long will it take?

After your scan

The radiographers are trained in obtaining high quality images and unfortunately will not be able to tell you the results. The images will be read by a Consultant Radiologist and a Cardiologist, a report will be written and send back to the referrer.

We are always keen to hear feedback from our patients, and have patient feedback forms available.

If you have any more questions please feel free to call us on 01792 472035

Any further questions?

We will not contact you for any other reason than to respond to the question or information you request in this form.

For information about how your personal data may be processed please see our Privacy Policy.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
To book an appointment with a consultant you can either call us, email us, or book online if you are self-paying for your treatment.
Currently, not all Consultants are available for Self-Pay Online Booking. Please contact us directly if you do not see the consultant/service you are looking for and would like to make a booking.

Self-Pay Online Booking

Send us an email

Funding your treatment

Find out more about getting started with private health insurance.

Insured

Find out more about our self-pay options.

Self-pay

Find out more about financing your treatment.

Finance