What does a cardiac MRI diagnose?

Scan type: Cardiac MRI
Body part: Heart
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A cardiac MRI provides detailed images of the heart to help diagnose heart muscle conditions, valve problems, blood flow issues, and the effects of past heart attacks.

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Follow-up explanation

Cardiac MRI is a specialised scan that uses strong magnetic fields to build detailed pictures of the heart’s structure and function. Unlike an X-ray or CT scan, it doesn’t use ionising radiation, making it a safe option for many patients who need repeated heart imaging.

Doctors recommend cardiac MRI when they need a precise view of the heart muscle, chambers, and blood vessels. It is commonly used to diagnose:

Cardiomyopathy: Diseases that affect the heart muscle, such as hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Coronary artery disease effects: Identifying damage caused by reduced blood supply or past heart attacks.
Heart valve disease: Assessing how well valves open and close.
Congenital heart disease: Detecting abnormalities present from birth.
Inflammation or scarring: Conditions like myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart).
Blood flow and perfusion: Checking how well blood moves through the heart muscle.

Because of its high level of detail, cardiac MRI can guide treatment decisions, monitor disease progression, and help plan surgery or other interventions.

Why does it matter?

A cardiac MRI scan offers a clear, non-invasive way to look at the heart in motion. It is often ordered after other tests, like echocardiograms or ECGs, to confirm a diagnosis or provide additional information.