Cardiac MRI scans have helped many individuals in the Royal Oak, Michigan area receive a scan of their heart without exposure to radiation or the need for an IV contrast injection. The scan will capture images of a heart while it's beating with the patient lying on his or her back. The patient will lie within a tube-like camera during the scan. This scan provides the specialist with detailed information about the patient's heart's structure and its function. The scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of various conditions like coronary artery blockage, congestive heart failure, heart valve problems, tumors of the heart, pericardial sac disease or heart attacks. It may also provide the doctor to evaluate the heart.
The procedure takes about an hour to an hour and a half to perform and those who are claustrophobic may be given a calming medicine before the scan. Those who opt to take the medication to calm them during the scan will have to have a ride home from a friend or family member. Some facilities may even offer an open MRI scanner so that those with claustrophobia are not as nervous and anxious before or during the scanning process.
Before undergoing a Cardiac MRI, patients may discuss the test with a Royal Oak radiologist or medical professional to answer any questions they may have. Patients will reveal their medical history and surgical history so that the technicians and medical professionals are aware of any potential risks or complications. Patients should also tell the professionals whether they have any metal in their body like pacemakers, defibrillators, vascular clips, cochlear implants or other pieces of metal somewhere in the body such as in the eye. If metal is present in the body, MRI is not recommended. Other imaging technologies may be recommended by the specialist in these cases.
Some patients may require a contrast agent so that the images are of a higher quality and the doctor may get a better view of the heart. This may be necessary to diagnose certain heart conditions or problems. Patients will discuss these contrasting agents with the specialist before treatment. There may be certain side effects associated with these contrast agents like allergic reaction, nausea, headache or dizziness. Those who have severe kidney disease may experience serious side effects, so the contrast agent is not provided to these patients. This is an example of why it is important to be forthcoming with one's medical history and conditions.
Learn more about Cardiac MRI in Royal Oak, Michigan.
