Will MRI scan trigger AF?

[WendyWu20]

Hi all. The last time I posted was to say I've stopped all meds and have been fine since. Briefly, I haven't had any AF since - so v happy about that.

However, I have been in hospital with acute pancreatitis and liver problems due to a blocked bile duct. On a zero fat diet and awaiting the results of an MRI scan to inform the surgeon's decision about which bits to chop out.

So, I normally never lie flat, due to this being a major trigger for AF previously, and I'm also concerned that if they give me the contrast dye injection it may also be a trigger. Does anyone here have any experience of having MRI scan and it causing AF?

Thanks.

[meadfoot]

I have had several MRI scans for pancreatic issues these past two years and at no point have they triggered af. I hope you get a resolution to your issues but dont be concerned about the MRI.

[WendyWu20 in reply to meadfoot]

Did you have a contrast medium injected?

[secondtry in reply to WendyWu20]

I did and no AF

[meadfoot in reply to WendyWu20]

Yes I did and no issues experienced.

[BobD Volunteer]

Had MRI when first diagnosed with cancer and no AF. 8 years ago now!

[Hidden]

I don’t think there is any known link between MRI contrast dye and AF. Some people may be anxious about being in the enclosed space of the mri machine which might induce AF.

[etheral in reply to Hidden]

Ask for a tranquilizer like Valium 10mg and it may help the anxiety.

[Hidden in reply to etheral]

My doctor doesn’t like to prescribe them as he says they are highly addictive, but, I agree, they are very effective.

[etheral in reply to Hidden]

You can't get addicted from 1 dose. Ask your doc for 1 pill. Good luck....

[WendyWu20 in reply to etheral]

Sounds fantastic, but I don't think I'd be safe to drive myself home afterwards haha!

[Hidden]

I've had several, and no return of AF.

[wilsond]

Had MRI recently and it was ok,you are not in there very long

[WendyWu20 in reply to wilsond]

I'll be in there about 45 miutes as they'll do a full abdominal...

[Barb1]

I have had multiple scans with and without dye and no trigger for AF. I also take calming sedatives as I am claustrophobic.

[seasider18]

No, and they give you a very comprehensive form to fill in before the procedure.

[WendyWu20 in reply to seasider18]

I've recently moved to Catalonia and I'm not fluent by any means, so that will be interesting!

[irene75359]

My daughter has a two and a five-year-old and is a very tired young working Mum. She had quite a long MRI scan on her heart (she has a congenital heart condition). When finished the staff were all laughing - she was the only patient they had ever had who fell into a deep sleep during the scan.

Hope it all goes well for you.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Never had one with contrast - so that's not been an issue.

However I have been known to have problems with volume/bass/pitch of sound and the loud noises/vibrations even through the headphones can be disconcerting - coupled with being in the machine and closed off can create anxiety so something to bear in mind.

[Trish5]

Hi Wendy,

I've had many MRI scans and I was worried, too, about the effect of the contrast liquid. I've never had an afib episode after having the scan. I take a BIG bottle of water with me and as soon as the scan is over I drink a lot of water to get the liquid out of my system.

I always ask the nurse who injects the contrast fluid to do it slowly, and explain I"m a bit worried about the afib. They are very understanding and inject slowly, I've never had any trouble, not even a palpitation after the MRI. But we are all different and react differently.

I've had about six or seven scans in the last ten years and no problem so I hope yours goes well, too, and it won't be a trigger for your afib.

Trish x