MRI perfusion scan

[Dramaqueen1]

Hello

Has anyone here had an MRI perfusion scan?

I have to have one on the 10th July and l’m feeling a little bit nervous about it.

Especially as they inject you with a substance that supposedly makes your heart race.

I also just read that you’re not supposed to have it done with ‘heart block’ well l have right bundle branch block so l have emailed the cardiologist to check it’s safe as l’m not sure if that’s the same thing!

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who answers.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Although I haven't had this test myself I know a number of people who have. With a stress/exercise ECG they typically use an exercise bike or treadmill to increase your heart rate. Obviously this is not possible with MRI, CT and Nuclear scans which is why they use a drug to up your HR (i.e. stress it). The majority of people are fine and they have a drug to counteract its action if needed.

There are various types of "block" a few of which are contra indicictators. You have acted correctly in checking with your cardiologist as he will know better than anybody here.

[Dramaqueen1 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you Michael-

I think it’s always the fear of the unknown that worries me.

They are doing the test as l have AF and have been feeling breathless and we have had a lot of heart attacks in the family.

Hopefully it won’t show anything but like with any medical procedure it can be nerve wracking!

[Gog40]

Yes I have had one. No problem at all. The worst bit is eating buttered bread and drinking full fat milk, honestly. There are many staff around, a Dr, Senior Radiologist and several others looking after you at various stages. You will be very well looked after and things explained to you. All very easy for you.

[Dramaqueen1 in reply to Gog40]

Thank you that’s very reassuring to hear!

[Gog40 in reply to Dramaqueen1]

Happy to give more details if it will help you. I had mine in March '20. First one 'Resting' and next week the 'Stress' one. Stress just means cycling for a few minutes before the scan. I walked home after them both.