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What Are the Risks of Cardiac MRI?
The magnetic fields and radio waves used in cardiac MRI have no side effects. This method of taking pictures of organs and tissues doesn't carry a risk of causing cancer or birth defects.
Serious reactions to the contrast agent used during some MRI tests are very rare. However, side effects are possible and include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- Dizziness
- Changes in taste
- Allergic reactions
Rarely, the contrast agent can harm people who have severe kidney or liver disease. The substance may cause a disease called nephrogenic (NEF-ro-JEN-ik) systemic fibrosis.
If your cardiac MRI includes a stress test, more medicines will be used during the test. These medicines may have other side effects that aren't expected during a regular MRI scan, such as:
- Arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs), or irregular heartbeats
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or fast)
Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans. To find clinical trials that are currently underway for Cardiac MRI, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
September 4, 2012
Silent heart attacks are common and predict risk of death, MRI diagnosis shows
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more effective than electrocardiography (ECG) at identifying "silent" heart attacks, also known as unrecognized myocardial infarctions, according to a study performed by National Institutes of Health researchers and international colleagues.
The NHLBI updates Health Topics articles on a biennial cycle based on a thorough review of research findings and new literature. The articles also are updated as needed if important new research is published. The date on each Health Topics article reflects when the content was originally posted or last revised.
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