Cardiac MRI (Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Cardiac MRI's (magnetic resonance imaging) use radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than X-RAYs to produce a clear and detailed picture of internal organs and tissues. The procedure is valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions in all parts of the body, including heart and vascular disease, stroke, cancer and joint and musculoskeletal disorders.
Magnetic resonance imaging is becoming very important in the initial diagnosis and subsequent management of coronary heart disease. When you schedule your San Diego Imaging Healthcare MRI, we can help physicians to look closely at the structures and function of the heart and major vessels quickly and thoroughly, without the risks associated with traditional, more invasive procedures. Using cardiac MRI, physicians can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart, and determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease.
After a heart attack, for example, an MRI examination can help the cardiologist understand how well the heart is pumping, whether the flow of blood is blocked in any chamber or major vessel, whether the heart muscles are damaged or whether the lining of the heart is swelling. This is critical knowledge needed to administer prompt and effective treatment
Cardiac MRI's can also detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels, making it an invaluable tool for detecting and evaluating coronary artery disease. Recently, specialists in MRI have demonstrated its potential for showing not only the structure, but also the function of the heart muscles, valves and vessels. Using MRI, they have created movie-like images of the beating heart that doctors can use to diagnose a variety of cardiovascular problems. More and more, MRI is being used as part of the traditional cardiac stress test to help physicians with earlier diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and to assess the patient’s recovery after treatment.
|  |
