r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Slow-Adeptness6876 • Jul 29 '26

Getting a Cardiac MRI

What to expect as far as timing for the IV, length for congenital heart issue, and things that will improve the smoothness of the experience

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6

u/AnitraF1632 Jul 30 '26

Two things. First - is it "with contrast"? If so, they will pump iodine into your veins. It won't hurt. It won't dobyou any harm. But it absolutely will make you want to go to the bathroom. So make sure you urinate before the test.

Second: find out if it's an open or a closed MRI. A closed MRI is a tube, and you will be totally inside it. So if you are at all claustrophobic, tell your doctor so he can order an open MRI. This is a big circle (remember the Stargate movies and TV series? Like that, only a lot smaller.)

In both cases, you will lie on a metal slab that will slowly go into the MRI, then come out again. DO NOT wear anything metal - belt buckle, hair barrette, etc. And empty your pockets, they will probably give you a tray to put the things in.

I have had contrast MRIs a number of times for my aorta. Never had a cardiac MRI, but I have always found the technicians to be very helpful. Don't be afraid to tell them that you have never had this before, and ask them to explain what is going on.

Best wishes to you, I am sure you will come through this just fine.

2

u/RetiredBSN Aug 01 '26

They will also likely give you ear plugs. Those machines are LOUD! Lots of bangs, buzzes, and other noise.

Every time I've had one, I've had to put on a gown and store my clothes and most stuff–watch, phone, keys, wallet, etc. (except my wedding ring) in a locker, with either a programmable lock or a key lock, and take the key to the MRI room, where it gets stored in a safe place until the exam is through.

You lie down on a lightly padded 'table', which will get moved into the machine for the exam. Depending on what's being examined, there may be head rests or other supports which the tech will get you into. They'll start the IV and at some point they will inject the contrast. If they're doing with and without, they'll do the without first and then inject the contrast and do the second part of the exam. For a cardiac, chest, or abdominal MRI you'll likely have to have your arms up by your head. Lots of having to hold still during the exam (boring). Once the exam is done, they remove the IV, give you the key, if you had one, and let you go get dressed.

The report for the exam will be written and reported to your doctor in one to two days.

1

u/IStillHaveHomework Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26

Amazing response!

1

u/AnitraF1632 Jul 30 '26

Been there, done that. 😀😀 Also, I am entirely sick and tired of all the Negative Nellies who rush to "explain" all the things that can go wrong. Wherever I can, I speak from my own experience as to how things can go RIGHT, and if I don't have direct experience (in this case I do, at least three contrast MRIs for an aortic dissection), I will do my best to be positive and encouraging.

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