Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI or CMR) produces detailed images of the beating heart. The test can help doctors study the structure and function of heart muscle, find the cause of a patient's heart failure or identify tissue damage due to a heart attack.

At the University of Chicago Medicine Heart and Vascular Imaging Center, our patients have access to the latest MRI technology and the advanced expertise of our cardiologists who interpret the MRI results. Our physicians have experience safely performing MRI tests on patients with implanted defibrillators or pacemakers.

Cardiac MRI can show if heart muscle is alive or dead. It’s the most accurate test for calculating the patient’s ejection fraction, a measurement of the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart each time it contracts.

The noninvasive test does not use X-rays or radiation, but rather relies upon a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to create a series of images of the heart and its surrounding blood vessels. Some cardiac MRI patients will receive an injection of a contrast medium or dye through a vein before the scan to improve the ability of the MRI machine to capture more detailed images of tissues.

Cardiac MRI also is used to predict how the heart will respond to treatments for coronary artery disease, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty.

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To schedule a patient for a cardiac MRI study, please call 773-795-4808.

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Nationally Ranked in Cardiology, Heart Surgery and Vascular Surgery

According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Chicago Medicine's Heart and Vascular programs are among the best in the nation.

 

USNEWS Heart & Vascular Badge 2024-2025

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We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-773-702-9461 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.