Is an MRI heart stress perfusion test likely to trigger an AF episode? Anybody had one whilst in sinus mode?

[Frustrated12]

Might seem a silly question but got last minute jitters concerning a scheduled MRI heart stress perfusion test. I have been in sinus mode since being diagnosed with AF nearly six months ago. I feel really fortunate and the last thing I would want is the MRI plus two chemical injections (contrast and stress) trigger an episode.

Am I worrying unnecessarily?

Lots of good wishes to everyone.

[rosyG]

I worried about this before my stress test at the Brompton but was fine- hope you get on well

[Frustrated12 in reply to rosyG]

Thanks Rosy. Was yours a stress test or just an MRI with contrast?

[rosyG in reply to Frustrated12]

I think it was a stress test ad remember worrying about the stuff you have when its done and whether they would trigger AF- nothing at all!!

[Hidden]

I had one last month, I too was worried about it kicking off AF as I have been in NSR for two and a half years.

Worrying was the worst part, the actual procedure is a walk in the park. Hardly felt my heart rate rise, I push it way harder exercising.

I didn't go in to AF, and they found nothing wrong with my heart, so win win

Good luck with yours

[Frustrated12 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that Mikee69 but mine is a profusion stress test so that, as far as I am are, they inject you with small amount of radioactive liquid and they up your heart beat and see how it handles stress. They also do a contrast dye as well. Are we talking about the same scan?

My feeling at the moment is to go ahead with the MRI and contrast but not the stress part. This was not discussed with me by the consultant. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Frustrated12]

Yep, exactly the same scan.

No caffeine for 24 hours before, but as soon as they have injected you they send you off for 40 minutes to get a coffee 😁

[Frustrated12 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mikee69. One further point: Did you have an echocardiogram beforehand? If so why the MRI? Glad all turned out well. Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Frustrated12]

No, I had a cardiac CT scan first.

I was experiencing chest pains at the time.

Now I believe that it was due to stress as everything checks out ok

[PTSD_KING]

It's not a silly question. I think you're referring to a Cardiac viability (perfusion and delay) MRI – They just inject a contrast medium into a vein during the MRI scan. MRIs use a magnetic field to simply visualize your heart. My father's had several of these since I've been in grad school. I think MRIs are very safe especially compared to coronary angiography. The only thing that's invasive about MRI perfusion test is VERY UNLIKELY chance of reaction to the the gadolinium. My da says the worst thing is MRI noise. I think you'll be just fine.

[Frustrated12 in reply to PTSD_KING]

Thanks you but I dont think we are talking about the same scan. Mine is a stress perfusion MRI which on top of the contrast dye they inject a radioactive fluid and up the heater to see how it handles stress. I must say, it confused me as I thought I was having an MRI plus contrast not plus a stress test as well. Big thank you for reply.

[PTSD_KING]

Good luck

[etheral]

Depends on indication for the test. Are you having chest pain with exertion?The risk is low of the stress causing AFib, but certainly existant. If the probability of significant CAD is high, and the test is positive, you would then need as angiography and thena procedure either angioplasty or Coronary Bypass surgery to correct this. If you are not prepared Togo through with this then the test seems superfluous. If you are assymptomatic, then I would question the doc on the need for the test.