Heart/ Cardiac MRI: Price, Purpose, Preparation & Results [2025]
A Cardiac MRI or Heart MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic test that helps evaluate the structure and function of the heart and its blood vessels. It helps detect any abnormalities such as heart disease, heart damage, or tumors. This test uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures. It is also useful in monitoring the progress of treatment for various heart conditions. The cost of an MRI heart ranges from Rs. 9500 to Rs. 14000
Your doctor may recommend a Cardiac MRI if you have the following symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Swelling or edema in the legs or abdomen
- Heart murmur
- Previous heart attack or heart surgery
- Suspected congenital heart disease
- Family history of heart disease
- Unusual changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Suspected heart valve problems
Cardiac MRI Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Heart MRI, Cardiac MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Heart, Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR), Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR), |
| Purpose | To evaluate the size and function of the heart, assess blood flow, and detect any abnormalities or conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, or heart valve problems. |
| Preparation | No special preparation required |
| Fasting | No |
| Machine Used | 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRI Machine |
| Reporting Time | <24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 9500 to Rs. 14000 |
Cardiac MRI Test Price
Cardiac MRI is a special scan thus its availability is limited. During the scan, very often, contrast is also used which increases the cost. Though the actual price would depend on the MRI centre, city, use of contrast and MRI Machine, it usually ranges from Rs 9500 to Rs 14000.
Price at Popular Diagnostic Centres
The Cardiac MRI cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the cities.
| Diagnostic Centres | Price |
|---|---|
| Janta X-Ray Clinic | ₹ 16150 |
| National Imaging | ₹ 11200 |
| Ganesh Diagnostics | ₹ 9600 |
| Mahajan Imaging | ₹ 12600 |
| PULSE IMAGING | ₹ 9000 |
| Aarthi Scan | ₹ 9500 |
| Prima Diagnostics | ₹ 13500 |
| Vijaya Diagnostic Centre | ₹ 12000 |
Cost in Different Cities
The table below lists the city-wise price range. You can click on the city name to get the list of MRI centres that provide MRI cardiac along with their price and discount available from Bookmerilab.
| Cities | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Delhi | Rs 9500 to Rs 14000 |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Gurgaon | ₹ 9500 to ₹ 16560 |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Noida | Not Available |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Mumbai | ₹ 3000 – ₹ 9500 |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Hyderabad | ₹ 9500 – ₹ 12000 |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Bangalore | ₹ 9500 – ₹ 13500 |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Kolkata | ₹ 9500 – ₹ 13500 |
| Cardiac MRI Test Price in Chennai | ₹ 8550 – ₹ 9500 |
Cardiac MRI Purpose
MRI Heart helps evaluate the condition of the heart and associated structures like the pericardium (membrane enclosing the heart), heart muscles, major blood vessels, etc.
- It helps doctors to diagnose and evaluate a variety of heart conditions such as
- Coronary artery disease
- Pericardial disease
- Heart tumours
- Heart valve disease
- Heart muscle disease, called cardiomyopathy
- This test is also used to diagnose congenital heart diseases (Congenital heart disease is a group of conditions present at birth where the structure of the heart and blood vessels are abnormal).
- To check any damage to the heart from a heart attack.
- It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart conditions.
- Helps assess the blood flow to the heart muscle and check for any blockages.
Understanding the Anatomy of the heart
- The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
- It has four chambers, the right atrium and ventricle, and the left atrium and ventricle.
- Blood flows into the right atrium, then to the right ventricle, then to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide.
- The oxygen-rich blood then flows back to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, and is pumped out to the rest of the body.
Blood is constantly circulating through the body, being pumped by the heart, flowing through blood vessels, and nourishing cells.
Cardiac MRI Preparation
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, snaps, or buttons.
- It is important to inform the technologist of any metal in your body like pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or cochlear implants. Because metals can cause artefacts in the images.
- You will be asked to remove all jewellery, such as watches before the test.
- It is okay to consume any clear liquids like water, apple juice, black coffee, or tea before the examination to help fill your stomach and intestines.
Cardiac MRI Procedure
- You will lie down on a table that slides into the MRI machine.
- To help block out the machine’s harsh noises, earplugs or headphones will be provided.
- During the scan, you could be requested to hold your breath for brief periods of time.
- For MRI Scan with contrast, an IV will be placed in your arm to administer an injection of a contrast agent like gadolinium. Let your doctor know if you have a history of allergy to contrast agents.
- A monitor will allow you to see and hear the technologist during the scan.
- The scan normally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.
- As soon as the scan is finished, you can get back to your regular activities.
Results and Interpretation
- An MRI can display the chambers, valves, blood arteries, and any problems such as blockages or tumors in the heart and its blood passages.
- MRIs may also demonstrate blood flow via the heart and blood arteries, which can be used to evaluate how well the heart is functioning and spot any issues with it.
- Heart attacks, coronary artery blockages, and issues with the heart valves can all be identified with MRI.
- The amount of blood the heart pumps with each contraction can be measured using MRI, which can help understand how well the heart is beating.
Advantages of Cardiac MRI
- MRI is a safe alternative for examining the heart because it doesn’t use ionizing radiation exposure.
- It is non-invasive ie, does not require surgery.
- Using detailed images from an MRI, doctors can examine the heart and blood arteries to look for any structural problems.
- It can be used to assess a variety of cardiac diseases or heart-related diseases.
- MRI is especially helpful for evaluating the heart, brain, and other soft tissues because it offers better soft tissue contrast than other imaging methods.
Risks
- The contrast dye that is used in the scan may cause an allergic response in some people.
- Due to the small size of the scanner, some people may experience claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces)or anxiety during the scan.
- The magnetic field of the MRI machine poses a danger to individuals who have metal in their bodies like
- Pacemakers
- Body piercings
- Drug pumps
- Fillings and other dental work
- Insulin pump
- Metal joints or limbs
- Cochlear implants
- Artificial heart valves
- Because it is unclear how magnetic fields would affect the developing foetus, pregnant women should avoid MRIs.
- The machine’s loud noises could damage your hearing.
Limitations
The Cardiac MRI has a few limitations. It has limited access for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted devices due to the risk of interference with the magnetic field. This test also has some contraindications like in patients with metal in their bodies, such as aneurysm clips or metallic implants, due to the risk of injury from the magnetic field. It is time-consuming as it takes a longer time than other imaging techniques. The cost and availability may also be a limitation for some people and in some areas.
Sometimes CT Coronary angiography is preferred because of these limitations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, heart MRI is a highly effective and popular diagnostic technique in modern medicine. It has a number of benefits over conventional imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans. This test helps to track the effectiveness of treatment for a variety of heart problems, from heart disease to malignancies.
It is crucial to remember that there are various restrictions and concerns related to MRI, including the risk of metal injury, kidney damage, and hearing loss. Therefore, it’s crucial to speak with a medical professional to decide whether a heart MRI is right for you or not and to avoid any future problems.
We, at Bookmerilab wish all our readers a hearty, healthy and happy life. May you heal from whatever that is ailing you.
FAQs
MRI of the heart is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the heart.
The purpose of MRI of the heart is to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and its blood vessels, and detect any abnormalities
The advantages of MRI of the heart include being non-invasive, providing detailed images and functional information, not requiring the use of dyes, and the ability to visualize soft tissue.
The risks associated with MRI of the heart include allergic reactions to contrast dye, risk of injury from metal, risk of kidney damage, and risk of hearing loss.
An MRI of the heart typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour.
Yes, pregnant women can undergo MRI of the heart but only if it’s necessary and under the guidance of a doctor. The use of MRI during pregnancy should be carefully considered and the potential benefits must outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. However, it is recommended to avoid it during the first trimester.
How to Book Cardiac MRI?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.