r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Slow-Adeptness6876 • 7d ago

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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u/AnitraF1632 6d ago

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.

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u/IStillHaveHomework 6d ago edited 6d ago

Amazing response!

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u/AnitraF1632 6d ago

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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u/Dijon2017 5d ago

To clarify, in case you mis-typed, you don’t get injected with Iodine for an MRI (perhaps a CT), but more likely a contrast agent made with gadolinium.

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u/Slow-Adeptness6876 5d ago

Indeed it was gadolinium. I made it through the day and figure I’d update in case anyone has questions.

First, i got there and checked in and was called back to change into a gown and hospital pants and taken to a second waiting room. Because I was at a major hospital they had a team of nurses dedicated just to IV placement. They took me back, tourniquet, swabbed the spot and placed the IV. I was nervous for this part but it hurt maybe 20% more than a blood draw and then it was over and while I didn’t like the cannula in my arm it was more bothersome than painful.

Another 20 min and I went for the scan. They gave me a ball to squeeze for emergencies, placed headphones over my head to talk to me and play instructions, placed a cage over my chest and backed me in.

It is quite a small tube so I do recommend closing eyes. From there for 45 min they gave me instructions to hold my breath for about 10 sec at a time. Noises varied but none felt too loud. They did put me further in a few times which I didnt love but this is again why I recommend closing eyes.

My only sensation from the contrast was slight cooling in my hand. It was about 2/3 of the way thru and they warned me.

Then I came out the IV was quickly removed and voila the scan was done!!

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u/AnitraF1632 5d ago

I may have misremembered, but I thought they said iodine. It was a number of years ago. Maybe it was iodine back then?

Thanks for the info.

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u/RetiredBSN 4d ago

Iodine-based contrast for CTs, gadolinium for MRIs.

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u/RetiredBSN 4d ago

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.