The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Private cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan creates detailed pictures of your heart and major blood vessels to help diagnose and treat heart problems.
If you want to discuss a cardiac MRI, we can confirm your appointment within 24 hours through our leading private network.
- Get your test results within 48 hours
- #1 for private cardiac care, with dedicated consultants conducting more than 3,000 cardiac MRIs per year
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
Signs you may need a cardiac MRI scan
There are a number of symptoms that can be caused by heart problems. A cardiac MRI can help to detect these problems and the results will guide the type of treatment we recommend, if any is necessary. Common symptoms of heart issues include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Light-headedness
- Unusual breathing
- Fainting
- Seizures
It might also be the case that you have a history of heart problems in your family and want to get checked out. Even if you're not experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, an MRI scan of your heart can help to set your mind at rest. We can confirm your appointment within 24 hours and deliver the results from your heart MRI test within 48 hours.
Book a cardiac MRI scan with the UK's leading private provider
- #1 in the UK: We conduct more than 3,000 cardiac MRIs every year and 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to their friends and family.
- Rapid access: Your appointment will be confirmed in 24 hours and you'll have your results within two working days.
- Experts in the field: Your cardiac MRI procedure will be carried out and followed up on by one of our specialist consultants, so you can be confident you're getting the best possible care.
- Best-in-class facilities: Our private hospitals, diagnostic centres and clinics give you access to an industry-leading standard of technologies and treatments.
What is a cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI is used to look at your heart's function and structure. It's a non-invasive, painless procedure which doesn't involve any anaesthetic. The MRI scanner uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency waves and a computer to create detailed still and moving images of your heart.
These images will show all the different parts of your heart including the chambers, muscles and valves, as well as the vessels carrying blood to and from it. These images can help in the early diagnosis and treatment of suspected cardiac conditions.
What conditions can a cardiac MRI scan detect?
A cardiac MRI could help with the diagnosis of a number of conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart muscle conditions including cardiomyopathy and myocarditis
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital heart diseases (those you are born with)
Get rapid access to a private cardiac MRI with HCA UK
We carry out more than 3,000 cardiac MRIs every year across our network of private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres. Once you've contacted us, we'll be able to confirm your appointment within 24 hours. And once your scan has been done, we'll have your results ready within two working days.
FAQs about private cardiac MRI scans
Ahead of your scan, your consultant will let you know how to prepare and answer any questions you might have. You should be able to eat and drink as normal in the lead-up.
Although it's completely safe, the powerful magnetic field used means that not everyone is suitable for the cardiac MRI procedure. For example, it's important to tell your consultant if you are pregnant or if you have:
- An internal defibrillator, pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
- A cochlear implant
- Artificial heart valves
- Implanted drug ports
- Artificial limbs or metallic joints
- Implanted nerve stimulators
- Surgical clips such as those used on brain aneurysms
- Any pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples
You must also remove any metal jewellery prior to your MRI, as it may become damaged or cause problems with the magnets inside the scanner. If you have a particularly hairy chest then it may be worth shaving it so that the sticky pads that monitor your heart rate can be applied more easily. Don't worry, though; your expert consultant will run through all of this with you well ahead of time so that you feel fully prepared for your MRI heart scan.
After your scan, you shouldn't experience any pain or side-effects. Your consultant will let you know about any possible side-effects before your appointment. You'll be ready to go home as soon as the scan is complete. However, it's worth considering that, if you've been given a sedative ahead of your cardiac MRI, you'll need someone else to take you home. You should also remember to drink plenty of fluids to flush out the dye if your heart MRI used a contrast agent.
The images from your scan will be analysed and sent to your consultant or referring doctor, who will follow up with any next steps or treatment needed.
If your scan picks up a heart condition of any sort, we'll let you know immediately. The next step will be to arrange for another appointment, where your consultant will talk you through the results of your cardiac MRI and what it all means. From there, we'll be able to discuss the various treatment options and you can rest assured we'll always recommend that which we believe is going to be the most suitable for you and your condition.
There are no real risks associated with having an MRI heart scan. It's a painless procedure. If your heart MRI involved a contrast agent being put into your veins, you may feel some tenderness around the area where the dye was injected.
No, a cardiac MRI doesn't require you to be put under a local or general anaesthetic. Some people feel uncomfortable about being inside small spaces, in which case you may be offered a mild sedative to help you relax. But this isn't the same as an anaesthetic.
Contact us or speak to your consultant beforehand if you feel you would benefit from sedation.
This is slightly different to a typical MRI. During a cardiac MRI stress test, your consultant will inject some medicine into your vein. This medicine speeds up your heart rate, essentially replicating the effect that exercise has on your heart. This allows us to see how your heart performs when it is put under stress. It is a safe and painless test and the effects of the medicine can only be felt for a very short period.
The cost of your private cardiac MRI scan can vary depending on the type of scanner we use, but we’ll give you a clear up-to-date price when you contact us.
You have a few different options when it comes to payment. If you have medical insurance, your policy may cover the cost of a private cardiac MRI scan, so it's worth checking with your insurer and mentioning us as your preferred provider. Alternatively, you can self-fund your scan for quickest access, or it may be that you receive government or corporate sponsorship.
Experts in private cardiac MRI scans
At HCA, your care will be organised by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of medical professionals with years of experience in cardiology. They'll come together to carry out your scan, analyse the results and, if necessary, offer the most appropriate treatment for you.
And we have cardiologists that specialise in MRI scanning, so they can diagnose cardiac conditions in more detail.
Book your private heart MRI test with HCA
If you're experiencing symptoms that you think may be signs of a heart condition, or if you just want to get checked out, a cardiac MRI is a simple, safe and painless procedure. We conduct more than 3,000 of them every year, so you'll be in good hands with our expert MDT of cardiac specialists. We can confirm your appointment within 24 hours of first contact and we'll be able to share your results within two working days of your scan.
Our cardiac MRI locations
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.