Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Detailed, radiation-free assessment of heart structure, function and muscle tissue. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon & surrounds.
What Does a Cardiac MRI Show?
Cardiac MRI is the reference standard for assessing the structure and function of the heart. It measures how well the heart is pumping and, uniquely, shows the condition of the heart muscle itself — information that no other non-invasive investigation provides with the same accuracy.
A cardiac MRI is used to assess:
- The size and volume of the heart chambers
- Pumping function, including precise ejection fraction measurement
- Scarring and fibrosis within the heart muscle, using late gadolinium enhancement
- Cardiomyopathies — including dilated, hypertrophic and infiltrative forms
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Congenital heart conditions and their structural anatomy
- Cardiac masses and involvement of the pericardium
- Iron overload affecting the heart
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, cardiac MRI is reported by specialist radiologists working closely with referring cardiologists.
Cardiac MRI or Cardiac CT: What Is the Difference?
The two investigations answer different questions, and your cardiologist will choose based on what needs to be assessed.
How they differ:
- Cardiac CT, including CT coronary angiogram, is the investigation of choice for imaging the coronary arteries and detecting plaque or narrowing
- Cardiac MRI is the investigation of choice for heart muscle, chamber function and tissue characterisation
- Cardiac MRI uses no ionising radiation, making it well suited to younger patients and to repeated monitoring over time
- Cardiac MRI can distinguish between scar tissue, inflammation and healthy muscle — CT cannot
- In some patients, both investigations are used together to give a complete picture
Both cardiac MRI and CT coronary angiography are available at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
A cardiac MRI is a longer appointment than most scans, and our team will make sure you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
Before your appointment:
- You will complete an MRI safety questionnaire. Please tell us about any pacemaker, defibrillator, stent, valve replacement or surgical clips.
- Take your regular heart medications as normal unless your cardiologist advises otherwise.
- Fasting requirements vary — our team will confirm these when you book.
- A blood test to check kidney function may be required before gadolinium contrast is given.
On the day:
- Small ECG electrodes are placed on your chest so the scan can be synchronised with your heartbeat.
- The scan takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- You will be asked to hold your breath repeatedly for short periods — this is essential for clear images of the moving heart.
- A gadolinium contrast injection is given partway through most cardiac studies.
Your report is sent to your referring cardiologist or doctor, typically within three days. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM