During the scan what will it be like?
What does the room look like?
Before entering the room, it is a good idea to use the bathroom. Many times, it is only after the scan starts that people feel the need “to go”. If they need to stop the scan to let you use the bathroom it can be difficult to pick up where they left off and some portions may need to be repeated.
When you have changed into your gown, safely removed all metal with the help of the nurse and the technologist, and received your IV, you will be taken to the room that has the MRI machine
The MRI is a camera shaped like a large doughnut or ring. It is a huge magnet. There is a bed for you to lie on that will be in the middle of the doughnut. Someone will help you climb on and off the bed. You might have pillows and soft pads to make you as comfortable as possible.
How does the test get started?
You will then get some monitors attached to you. This will likely include a sensor on your finger or toe and sometimes a cuff around your arm. They will put stickers on your chest and look to make sure they have a good signal.
Next, a large rubber rectangle will be laid onto your chest, and it will feel snug like a hug but not too heavy. It acts as an antenna to send signals to us (we call it a coil) to help get the images to our computer.
The MRI machine can be noisy when it takes pictures! You will get headphones and/or ear plugs to help with the noise because unfortunately we don’t have a volume knob to turn it down. Sometimes, you may be able to listen to music through the headphones and this is how you will hear the technologist speaking to you. Some scanners may have the option to watch a movie or videos on a screen as well.
How long does the scan take?
Your Heart MRI on average will take 30 minutes to an hour. Someone will be looking at your heart images for that entire period and the technologist will be giving you instructions. If you need something or are uncomfortable, you will have a buzzer with a button to push that alerts the team immediately and they will check on you.
What can you do to help?
Not moving your body (particularly your chest) is your most important job. Once the scan starts, do your best to hold as still as possible for the best quality images. If your body moves, sometimes images must be repeated or certain big parts of the test, which makes it take longer. If you need to wiggle your toes that’s fine but your body should stay in place.
You will hear breathing instructions and be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds sometimes. You will then be told to breathe normally, and this will happen repeatedly. Some scans may happen without breathing instructions where you just breath comfortably and normally and the technologist will let you know what to do.
Other things to note
You might be allowed to bring your parent or grown up with you into the room with the MRI machine
Once your Heart MRI is completed, the technologist or nurse will help you off the bed and help with the stickers and wires. Your IV should be removed after the test.
You won’t be alone during the Heart MRI! There will always be a grownup who wants to help!
You should be able to go home after the Heart MRI is completed.
