Cardiac MRI Scan (CMR) in Peterborough
Detailed heart imaging without radiation
Arrange a cardiac MRI scan (CMR) with Consultant Cardiologist Dr Salam Salloum (GMC 5209498), who holds EACVI Level 3 accreditation in cardiac MRI and has reported over 3,000 cardiac MRI studies.
Cardiac MRI produces detailed pictures of the heart muscle, valves and blood vessels without radiation. It can assess the pumping function and show scarring, inflammation or other changes in the heart muscle that other tests may miss.
Available at The Hamptons Hospital, Peterborough. You can self-refer without a GP letter, and the images are reported by the consultant who reviews your case.
Price on enquiry
What is a cardiac MRI?
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to create detailed moving pictures of the heart. Scans are timed to the heartbeat and breathing, so the images are sharp. Many scans include an injection of a contrast agent called gadolinium to highlight areas of scarring, inflammation or reduced blood flow.
CMR is regarded as the reference standard for measuring the size and pumping function of the heart chambers, and it can characterise the heart muscle tissue itself, which an echocardiogram cannot.
Why might you need a cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI is usually arranged to answer a specific question after other tests, including:
- Finding the cause of heart failure or a weak heart muscle, including inherited cardiomyopathies
- Diagnosing inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the heart lining (pericarditis)
- Looking for scar after a heart attack and checking whether damaged muscle can recover
- Assessing blood supply to the heart muscle with a stress perfusion scan, in people with chest pain or suspected angina
- Investigating a heart rhythm disturbance or abnormal ECG when the echo is normal
- Measuring a leaking or narrowed heart valve accurately
- Assessing congenital heart disease and the aorta
- Evaluating heart masses, iron overload, amyloidosis or sarcoidosis
- Checking an unclear or borderline echo result, including in athletes
NICE guideline CG95 lists stress cardiac MRI among the functional tests for people with suspected stable angina when a CT coronary angiogram does not give a clear answer.
What can a cardiac MRI show?
- The size, thickness and pumping function of both ventricles, with precise measurements
- Scarring and fibrosis in the heart muscle, shown by late gadolinium enhancement
- Swelling and inflammation in the heart muscle
- Blood flow to the heart muscle during stress (perfusion imaging)
- Valve function and the volume of blood leaking back
- The structure of the heart and the great vessels
- The appearance of the pericardium
How to prepare for a cardiac MRI
- You can eat and drink normally unless we tell you otherwise. For a stress scan you may be asked to avoid caffeine for 24 hours.
- Wear comfortable clothes without metal. You will be asked to remove jewellery, watches and anything metal.
- You will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell us about any pacemaker, defibrillator, heart valve, stent, aneurysm clip, cochlear implant, metal fragments in the eye, or other implant. Many modern devices are MRI-conditional, but some are not suitable.
- Tell us if you have kidney disease, a previous reaction to contrast, or may be pregnant.
- Tell us if you feel anxious in confined spaces. Most people manage well, and we can talk through the options beforehand.
What happens during the scan?
- A cannula is placed in your arm for contrast, and ECG stickers are attached to your chest.
- You lie on a couch that slides into the scanner. A coil is placed over your chest.
- The scanner makes loud knocking sounds, and you are given earplugs or headphones.
- You are asked to hold your breath for short periods, usually 10 to 15 seconds, and a radiographer talks to you throughout.
- For a stress scan, a medicine called adenosine is given through the cannula for a few minutes to mimic exercise, and you may feel flushed or breathless for a short time.
The scan usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the questions being asked. You can go home and drive afterwards.
Safety and side effects
Cardiac MRI uses no ionising radiation. Gadolinium contrast is generally very safe, with rare allergic-type reactions. Contrast is used with care in severe kidney disease and generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential. Adenosine can cause temporary flushing, chest tightness and breathlessness that settle within a minute or two; it is not used in some people with asthma or certain rhythm problems.
Your results and next steps
Dr Salloum reviews the images and provides a written report with measurements. He then explains what the findings mean for your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, which could include medicines, further tests, monitoring or referral to a specialist centre.
You can discuss results in a face-to-face, video or telephone consultation. If you already have an MRI report from elsewhere, a cardiac investigations review can give a second opinion.
Further reading: British Heart Foundation: cardiac MRI scan; NHS: MRI scan; NICE guideline CG95 on chest pain.
Limitations of a cardiac MRI
- The scan is not suitable for some implanted devices and metal implants.
- Irregular heart rhythms and difficulty holding the breath can reduce image quality.
- The scan takes longer and costs more than an echocardiogram, so it is used when it is likely to change management.
- Cardiac MRI does not replace an echocardiogram as a first test, and does not show the coronary arteries as clearly as a CT coronary angiogram.
Cost and booking
The cost of a cardiac MRI depends on the protocol (for example, whether stress imaging is needed). Please contact us for a fee, and we will confirm the total cost before you book. A consultation to discuss your results is charged separately. Dr Salloum is recognised by several major insurers; please check your cover before booking.
Location: the scan takes place at The Hamptons Hospital, Cygnet Business Park, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FD. See the Peterborough clinic page for directions.
Related services
Important limitations
- A cardiac MRI is a planned outpatient test, not an emergency service.
- The result must be interpreted with your symptoms, examination and other tests.
- Some people are not suitable for the scan. We will check before booking.
If you develop severe or persistent chest pain, marked breathlessness, collapse or another potentially life-threatening symptom, call 999 or attend the nearest emergency department.
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Cardiac MRI FAQs
Where is the cardiac MRI performed?
The scan is performed at The Hamptons Hospital, Cygnet Business Park, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FD. Patients attend from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and further afield.
What is a cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the heart. It measures heart size and function and can show scarring, inflammation and blood flow in the heart muscle. It uses no radiation.
How long does a cardiac MRI take?
The scan usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the questions being asked. A stress scan takes longer than a standard scan.
Is a cardiac MRI noisy or claustrophobic?
The scanner makes loud knocking sounds, so you wear earplugs or headphones. The scanner is a tunnel, and most people manage well. Please tell us beforehand if you are anxious in small spaces so we can discuss how to help.
Is gadolinium contrast safe?
Gadolinium contrast is generally very safe. Allergic-type reactions are rare. It is used with care if you have severe kidney disease and generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential.
Can I have a cardiac MRI with a pacemaker?
Many modern pacemakers and defibrillators are MRI-conditional and can be scanned under specific conditions. Some older devices and implants are not suitable. We need your device details before booking.
What is a stress cardiac MRI?
In a stress perfusion cardiac MRI, a medicine called adenosine is given through a cannula to mimic exercise while images of blood flow to the heart muscle are taken. It helps show whether narrowed coronary arteries limit blood supply.
What is the difference between a cardiac MRI and an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound and is the usual first test. A cardiac MRI gives more detailed and accurate measurements and can show scar and inflammation in the heart muscle. It is used when more information is needed.
Do I need a GP referral for a private cardiac MRI?
No. Self-funded patients can usually self-refer. If you use private medical insurance, check with your insurer first.
How soon will I get my results?
The report is produced by the reviewing consultant. We will tell you the expected timescale when you book.