Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technology that uses natural, harmless magnets and radio waves. This test creates remarkably clear pictures of the heart and blood vessels without the need for X-rays.

What does it tell the doctor?
MRI scans help your doctor diagnose your condition more accurately. This way he or she can better determine how to treat you.

What happens before the test?
Prior to the scan, MRI staff will need to know certain information about you and your medical history. They will ask you to complete a safety screening form that helps find possible metal in your body. Some metal such as coronary artery stents, surgical clips, wires and most heart valves are safe in the MRI scanner. However, MRI is NOT advisable for patients who have:

• Pacemakers or defibrillators
• Cerebral or brain aneurysm clips
• Cochlear implants
• Metal fragments in the eyes
• Metal fragments, shrapnel or foreign bodies near a vital organ
• Electronic or magnetically activated implants or stimulators

MRI scans are also not recommended for women who are pregnant.

If you have or think you may have metal in your body or if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please call us at (615) 936-8000 prior to your appointment.

What can I expect the day of the test?
For most individuals, no special preparation is required before your scan. You may eat and drink before the scan. However, avoid having to go to the bathroom. Therefore, avoid drinking carbonated beverages or coffee before the MRI. Take your medicine as usual unless instructed otherwise. If you are taking a diuretic or “water pill” and are scheduled for a morning MRI appointment, you should consider taking it after your scan is complete.

When you arrive, a staff member will explain the scanning procedure to you. You will be provided a private dressing room with a secure locker where you can store your belongings. Before the scan, staff will instruct you to change into a gown and remove all metallic items, such as jewelry, watches, dentures and hearing aides. Please leave valuables at home or with a family member.

What will I experience?
An MRI scan is simple, easy and safe. MRI scans are individualized and tailored to each patient’s condition. On average, they last between 30-60 minutes. Stereo headphones are provided for you to listen to music of your choice during the scan. You may even bring your own CD.

For this test you will lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. While the scanner is operating, you will hear buzzing and knocking noises. When the scanner is quiet, the staff is adjusting it for the next set of pictures. At all times during the scan, you will be able to talk to staff members.

In some cases, a contrast agent may be injected through a vein in your arm. Contrast agents, sometimes referred to as dyes, highlight specific areas in your body so that the organs, blood vessels or tissues are more visible. Do not be concerned whether you receive a contrast agent or not. The staff will continue to monitor you and the chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast material is extremely rare (about 1 in 400,000). An experienced MRI cardiologist is present during the examination.

Click here to download an informational card about MRIs.

Click here to download a brochure about MRIs.