Your Heart Has a Story. Let's Take a Look.

Boy waving

What is a Heart MRI?

A Heart MRI is like a giant camera that takes super-clear pictures of your heart.

It helps doctors see how your heart looks, how strong it is when it pumps, and how blood moves through it.

The best part? It doesn’t hurt at all.

MRI MachineBoy pointing up
This is the MRI Machine! Pretty cool, isn't it?
Doctor with a Heart Scan (cropped to square)

Why Heart MRI?

Sometimes doctors need answers that other tests can’t give.

A Heart MRI can show if your heart is working too hard, too little, or just right. It can even find problems you were born with or spot things that aren’t supposed to be there.

Doctor presenting an animation of the heart beating
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How to Get Ready for a Heart MRI

Getting ready for your Heart MRI is simple. Think of it like getting prepared for a fun adventure! You don’t need to do much — just follow a few easy steps so the big heart camera can do its job.

Step 1

Dress for Comfort

Girl tying her shoes

Wear cozy clothes, like a t-shirt and sweatpants. No zippers, snaps, or jewelry. You might get to change into hospital pajamas.

Step 2

Say Bye to Metal

Examples of forbidden metal items: an earring, a hair clip, and a watch

Take off watches, necklaces, or hair clips. If you have braces or piercings, just let your doctor know.

Step 3

Check With Your Doctor

Doctor presenting a checklist

Most of the time, you can eat and drink like normal. If your doctor has special instructions, follow them carefully.

Step 4

Bring Your Grownup

Girl with her mother

A parent or caregiver will come with you and stay nearby the whole time.

Step 5

Bring Your Music

Girl listening to music

Bring your favorite songs or choose hospital music to relax while the big camera takes pictures of your heart.

Step 6

Get Ready to Shine

Girl putting on a jacket

When you arrive, the helpers will guide you through each step. Then it’s time for your heart’s photo shoot!

Girl yawning (cropped to square)

If You’d Rather Snooze Through It

Some kids feel nervous about the test. If that’s you, doctors can give ‘sleepy medicine’ so you nap through the pictures.

Your parent will be nearby the whole time. When you wake up, you might feel a little sleepy, but you’ll be safe and cared for.

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Window with drapes in the night with visible clouds, stars, and the moonGirl yawning
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What is it Like to Get a Heart MRI?

You’ll lie on a bed that slides into the big camera. Headphones help with the loud drum noises, and sometimes you’ll play a “freeze game” by holding your breath.

The test takes less than an hour. When it’s done, you go back to your day while the doctor checks your heart pictures.

Robot drummer