Cardiac MRI provides excellent images of the heart using standard MRI scanning equipment, which relies on powerful magnetic fields.

The test allows cardiologists to see aspects of heart structure and function not easily visible with other techniques, including the detection of scar tissue in the heart muscle and visualisation of the major blood vessels.

Patients will commonly receive the contrast agent “Gadolinium” via an injection during the scan. Cardiac MRI does not involve the use of radiation but some patients, such as those with pacemakers, may be unsuitable for scanning.