SERVICES

Cardiac MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a powerful magnetic field and radio wave pulses to create diagnostic medical images. Dr. Alberto Morales and the team at South Tampa Cardiology in Tampa, Florida, use cardiac MRIs to examine the heart, its health and function.

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What is a Cardiac MRI?

Though the equipment looks much like a CT scanner, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) devices don’t use radiation in image formation, so these present a safer alternative for patients who must avoid additional radiation exposure, such as pregnant women or people undergoing radiation therapy.

A non-invasive procedure, cardiac MRIs give a picture of heart health, and it is commonly used to diagnose and assess such conditions as:

Chamber sizes and wall thickness
Left and right heart function
Assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities
Assessment of valvular function
Assessment of heart failure
Assessment of obstructive coronary artery disease
(when added to stress testing)
Presence of heart damage (heart attack)
Presence of myocardial diseases (interstitial heart disease)
Presence of myocarditis
Assessment of infective endocarditis
Assessment of pericardial diseases
Assessment of cardiac masses
Assessment of congenital heart disease
Evaluate the effectiveness of your medical or surgical
treatments
Screen and follow patients who receive cardio-toxic
medications during cancer treatment
Detection of serious problems with the thoracic and
abdominal aorta
Detection of serious problems with the pulmonary arteries
Detection of serious problems with the lungs, mediastinum,
and esophagus

Are There Risks
Involved with MRIs?

Generally, MRIs are quite safe. However, patients with metal implants or pacemakers may not be candidates for MRI imaging.

The strong magnetic fields used in MRI procedures may cause issues with things such as:

Artificial heart valves
Implants
Pins, plates, screws, and staples
Stents

What Can I Expect with A Cardiac MRI Procedure?

During Testing

As with a CT scan, you lie on a table that moves through a very large doughnut-shaped scanner. The MRI technician controls the movement of the table into the scanner.

As long as you have removed all metal, jewelry, body piercings, and watches, there’s little risk to you.

The machine makes a variety of noises as it functions, including whirring sounds and loud thumps. You may be offered earplugs or headphones.

You may be asked to hold your breath during parts of the exam to provide clearer images.

There’s no feeling or sensation.

Both the electromagnetic and radio waves pass harmlessly through the body.