Cardiac MRI

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets, not radiation, to create cross-sectional, high-resolution images of the heart. These images can be used to monitor existing heart disease, help guide treatment plans, and in the assessment and diagnosis of cardiac conditions including:

• Coronary artery disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Cardiomyopathy
• Infiltrative heart disease
• Ventricular arrhythmia

A cardiac MRI takes about 45 minutes. In some cases, having a cardiac MRI may take the place of undergoing several diagnostic tests or invasive procedures. Cardiac MRI enables physicians to see the heart muscle and heart valves in detail and provides clear differentiation between muscle, fat, and fluid.

UPMC Hamot is the first hospital in Erie County to offer access to this imaging service.