How Long Does a Cardiac MRI Take?

Key Takeaways

Cardiac MRIs generally last 30 to 90 minutes, though complex cases may take up to 2 hours.
You’ll need to remain still during the scan and may be asked to hold your breath briefly for clearer images.
The painless procedure provides detailed heart information without the use of radiation or invasive methods.

Understanding Cardiac MRI: Procedure and Duration

Cardiac MRI provides detailed images of your heart structure and function using magnetic fields and radio waves.

The duration varies based on the specific heart condition being evaluated and the complexity of the imaging protocol.

Typical Timeline for a Cardiac MRI

A standard cardiac MRI appointment typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes. Before the scan begins, you’ll change into a hospital gown and remove metal objects.

The technician will position you on a movable table that slides into the MRI machine. You’ll need to lie still while the machine captures images during the procedure. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for short periods (usually 10-15 seconds) to reduce image motion artifacts.

Most cardiac MRI protocols include multiple sequences to evaluate different aspects of your heart. Each sequence takes approximately 2 to 10 minutes to complete. You can relax briefly between sequences while the technologist prepares the next imaging series.

Factors That Influence Imaging Time

Several factors can affect how long your cardiac MRI takes:

Complexity of heart condition: Complicated cardiac issues often require additional imaging sequences, which can extend the examination time. Conditions like congenital heart defects or complex valve disorders may need more comprehensive imaging.
Patient factors: Your ability to remain still and follow breath-holding instructions impacts scan efficiency. If you experience claustrophobia or anxiety, the procedure may take longer.
Contrast administration: If your scan requires contrast material, this adds time for injection and additional imaging sequences. Contrast helps highlight blood flow and certain heart structures.
Equipment capabilities: Modern MRI machines with higher magnetic field strengths (3T vs 1.5T) and advanced software can sometimes complete scans more quickly while maintaining image quality.

Comparing Cardiac MRI With Other Imaging Tests

Cardiac MRI offers distinct advantages compared to other cardiovascular imaging modalities.

CT scans typically take only 5-15 minutes but involve radiation exposure and provide less detailed soft tissue information than an MRI.
Echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) are faster and usually completed in 30-45 minutes, but they may not provide the comprehensive anatomical detail of an MRI.
Nuclear medicine tests, such as SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, take 2-4 hours but involve multiple waiting periods between imaging sessions.

Unlike CT scans, cardiac MRI doesn’t use ionizing radiation, making it safer for repeated examinations. MRI excels at evaluating cardiac function, tissue characterization, and myocardial viability that other tests cannot assess as effectively.

What To Expect During Your Cardiac MRI Appointment

Understanding the cardiac MRI process can help reduce anxiety and ensure you’re properly prepared. The procedure involves several stages to capture detailed images of your heart’s structure and function.

Preparation Steps Before Scanning

You must arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to complete the necessary paperwork and change into a hospital gown. Remove all metal objects, including jewelry, watches, and clothing, with metal fasteners, as these interfere with the magnetic field.

If your doctor has ordered a cardiac MRI with contrast, you may receive gadolinium contrast material through an IV line. This contrast dye enhances image quality, making certain tissues and blood vessels more visible.

Before entering the scanning room, medical staff will verify that you do not have metal implants, pacemakers, or other contraindications to MRI. They’ll ask about claustrophobia and may offer medication to help you relax if needed.

Your technologist will also provide you with breathing instructions to follow during the scan, which will help ensure clear images.

What Happens During the Scan

You’ll lie on a movable table that slides into the MRI scanner, a large, tube-shaped machine that uses magnetic resonance technology to create detailed images. The technologist will position you correctly and provide earplugs or headphones to protect your ears from the machine’s knocking sounds.

The cardiac MRI typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the specific information your doctor needs. During this time, you’ll need to remain very still.

You’ll be asked to hold your breath for 15-20 seconds at various points during the examination. This breath-holding helps produce clearer images by minimizing chest movement. If contrast material is used, you may feel cool when it is injected midway through the procedure.

The technologist will monitor you throughout the scan and communicate with you via the intercom.

After the MRI: Immediate Next Steps

Once the scan is complete, the table will slide out of the scanner, and the technologist will help you. If you received contrast dye, you should drink extra fluids to help your kidneys flush the gadolinium from your system.

You can return to normal activities immediately after a cardiac MRI, unless sedation is used. In that case, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

The radiologist will analyze your images and send a detailed report to your referring physician. Your doctor will typically receive results within 1-2 business days.

If your cardiac MRI was performed to guide a planned procedure, such as a biopsy, these results will help your medical team finalize its treatment approach.

Safety, Risks, and Special Considerations

Cardiac MRI is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal risks when performed according to proper guidelines. Understanding potential concerns and preparations can help ensure your safety and comfort during the examination.

Who Should Not Have a Cardiac MRI

Certain individuals should avoid cardiac MRIs due to safety concerns. Patients with specific implanted devices, such as older pacemakers, defibrillators, or cochlear implants, may be ineligible, as the strong magnetic field can interfere with these devices.

Metal fragments in your eyes or body from previous injuries pose significant risks. If you’ve worked with metal, an X-ray might be required before your MRI.

People with severe kidney problems may need to avoid contrast agents, as these can rarely cause complications in patients with kidney dysfunction.

Always inform your healthcare provider about any implants, medical devices, or metallic objects in your body before scheduling an MRI.

Managing Claustrophobia and Anxiety

The enclosed space of an MRI machine can trigger claustrophobia or anxiety in some patients. If you experience these concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider beforehand. Several strategies can help manage these feelings:

Requesting oral sedation before the procedure
Using open MRI machines when available
Bringing a friend or family member to the appointment
Learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing
Listening to music during the scan (many facilities offer this option)

Some facilities also offer “wide-bore” MRI machines with larger openings, which may be more comfortable for patients who are claustrophobic or have larger body types.

Considerations for Implants and Foreign Objects

Before your cardiac MRI, you’ll need to remove all metallic objects, including:

Jewelry, watches, and body piercings
Removable dental work
Hearing aids
Credit cards with magnetic strips

Certain implants are MRI-compatible, but verification is essential. Modern pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are often MRI-conditional, meaning they can be safely scanned under specific conditions.

Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors typically need to be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Surgical clips, pins, plates, and screws installed after 1995 are usually MRI-compatible, but always inform your healthcare team about any implants.

Patient Populations: Pediatric and Pregnancy Concerns

Cardiac MRI is generally safe during pregnancy as it doesn’t use radiation. However, it’s typically performed only when benefits outweigh potential risks, usually in the second or third trimester.

Gadolinium contrast is usually avoided during pregnancy as it can cross the placenta. Your doctor will carefully weigh the necessity of comparison against potential risks.

For pediatric patients, preparation often includes age-appropriate explanations and, for younger children, possible sedation to help them remain still and calm. Parent presence during preparation can help reduce anxiety.

Children with congenital heart defects particularly benefit from cardiac MRIs’ detailed imaging capabilities, allowing for comprehensive evaluation without radiation exposure that could be harmful to developing bodies.

Interpreting Cardiac MRI Results and Next Steps

Understanding the results and what steps to follow after completing your cardiac MRI are crucial parts of your cardiovascular care journey. Results provide valuable insights into your heart’s structure and function, guiding treatment decisions.

How Cardiac MRI Results Are Delivered

Most healthcare providers will have your cardiac MRI results within three business days of the test. Your cardiologist or referring physician typically receives the detailed report first, which has been analyzed by a radiologist specializing in cardiac imaging.

You may receive results through several channels:

During a scheduled follow-up appointment
Via patient portal (often with a notification)
Through a phone call for urgent findings

The results include detailed images showing your heart chambers, valves, muscle tissue, and blood flow patterns.

Unlike X-rays, MRI uses magnetic fields and hydrogen atoms in your body to create these detailed images without radiation exposure. Ask your doctor for a timeline if you haven’t received results within a week. Some practices automatically schedule follow-up appointments when ordering the test.

What Cardiac MRI Findings Mean for Heart Health

Cardiac MRI results evaluate several aspects of heart health:

Structural issues:

Chamber size and wall thickness
Valve function and abnormalities
Presence of congenital disabilities

Functional assessment:

Pumping efficiency (ejection fraction)
Blood flow patterns
Muscle contractility

Tissue characterization:

Scarring from previous heart attacks
Inflammation (myocarditis)
Infiltrative diseases like amyloidosis

Normal results indicate proper heart function without significant abnormalities. Abnormal findings might reveal conditions like coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or valve disorders. Your doctor will explain how specific findings relate to any symptoms you’ve experienced.

Follow-Up Care and Additional Tests

Your doctor will develop a personalized follow-up plan based on the results of your cardiac MRI. For normal results with no concerning findings, routine check-ups may be sufficient.

For abnormal results, your care might include:

Additional cardiac testing, such as stress echocardiography, to evaluate how your heart performs under exertion
Referral to specialists such as interventional cardiologists or pediatric cardiologists for certain conditions
Medication adjustments or new prescriptions
Lifestyle modification recommendations
Scheduling follow-up imaging to monitor changes

Some patients require interventional procedures or surgery based on findings. Your doctor will explain the urgency of any recommended actions and help coordinate care between specialists.

Track all follow-up appointments and maintain a list of questions that arise as you process your results.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Most health insurance plans cover cardiac MRI when medically necessary, but coverage varies significantly between providers and policies. Pre-authorization is typically required. After receiving results, consider these financial aspects:

Coverage questions to ask:

Will follow-up appointments require additional copays?
Are the recommended specialists in-network?
Do any suggested treatments require special authorization?

Documentation needed:

Keep copies of your MRI report for your records
Maintain a list of diagnostic codes provided
Save the explanation of benefits statements

If additional tests are recommended, ask about bundled billing options. Many cardiovascular organizations offer financial counseling to help individuals navigate the costs associated with heart disease diagnosis and treatment. For uninsured patients, inquire about cash pricing, payment plans, or assistance programs that may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients often have specific concerns about cardiac MRI procedures, including timing, diagnostic capabilities, and preparation requirements.

These common questions address the most important aspects of the examination process.

How long does the procedure of a cardiac MRI with contrast typically last?

A cardiac MRI with contrast typically takes 45 to 90 minutes to complete. The exact duration depends on the specific imaging needs and the patient’s condition. The contrast agent is administered intravenously (IV) to enhance image clarity during the procedure.

This helps make the diagnosis more accurate by highlighting specific cardiac structures. You will need to remain still during the imaging sequences, with brief periods during which you will be asked to hold your breath for 10-15 seconds at a time.

Can a cardiac MRI detect arterial or ventricular blockages?

Yes, cardiac MRIs can detect arterial and ventricular blockages with high precision. The technology provides detailed images of blood flow through coronary arteries and heart chambers.

The contrast agent used during the procedure helps highlight areas with restricted blood flow, making blockages more visible to the interpreting cardiologist.

What conditions can be diagnosed with a cardiac MRI?

Cardiac MRIs can diagnose a wide range of cardiovascular problems with exceptional detail. They’re effective at identifying structural abnormalities, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle damage.

The technology excels at evaluating heart function, including pumping efficiency and valve operation. It can detect cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, pericardial disease, and cardiac tumors.

What is the average duration of a heart MRI without contrast?

A heart MRI without contrast typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is shorter than contrast-enhanced examinations because it doesn’t require additional time for contrast administration and the following specialized imaging sequences.

Even without contrast, MRI provides valuable information about the heart’s structure, function, and movement. The technologist will guide you through the same breathing instructions. You must remain still during the procedure to ensure clear, accurate images.

What should a patient typically wear during a cardiac MRI examination?

During a cardiac MRI examination, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal components. Many facilities provide hospital gowns to ensure no metal is present. Jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and electronic devices must be removed before entering the MRI room. Clothing with metallic threads or zippers may also need to be removed.

Before the procedure, inform the technologist about any implanted medical devices or metal in your body, as these may affect your eligibility for an MRI.

Are patients commonly sedated during a cardiac MRI procedure?

Most patients do not require sedation for a cardiac MRI. The procedure is painless, though you may feel confined in the MRI machine. Mild sedation may be offered if you experience claustrophobia or anxiety. This helps you remain calm and still during the examination.

For children or patients with severe anxiety, deeper sedation or anesthesia might be necessary.

Understanding how long a cardiac MRI takes—and what to expect—can ease much of the uncertainty surrounding this essential diagnostic test. While the typical scan lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, knowing the step-by-step process helps you plan and approach the appointment with confidence. From preparation to follow-up, cardiac MRI is a safe, non-invasive way to gather critical insights into your heart’s health.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or managing a known condition, this advanced imaging technology helps support accurate diagnoses and improve outcomes.

Ready to schedule your cardiac MRI or speak with a cardiologist about your heart health? Book an appointment with Cardiovascular Group today. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Schedule an appointment today.