Cardiac MRI - Why am I being sent for this? What to expect?

[Bex-88]

I’ve just spoken to my cardiologist to give me the results of my 7 day holter and he told me that although my heart rate goes up and down a bit, they didn’t find any arrhythmias on the tape. I’m confused by that because I experience palpitations/dizziness/shortness of breath near daily, and I also use two different apps which detect rhythm abnormalities and when I’ve had symptoms both have come back saying an abnormality was detected on dozens of occasions, sometimes multiple times a day. I had symptoms during the tape which both apps picked up on but apparently the holter didn’t detect anything…?!

Granted I know the apps aren’t medical devices so can’t be relied upon 100% but given I had symptoms as well and it was two separate apps, I find it difficult to believe there was no arrhythmias picked up on the tape.

The cardiologist didn’t seem concerned about the variation in heart rate but he’s decided to increase my bisoprolol by double, going from one tablet a day to 2 which again I’m confused by if my tape was fine.

I was waiting on an appointment for a contrast echo because on my previous non-contrast echo they couldn’t get clear images of the right side but he now wants me to go for a cardiac MRI instead and has cancelled the contrast echo.

Why would they decide on an MRI if my tape was fine? Imo the results of my holter don’t warrant an MRI unless there’s something they’re not telling me. His actions - increasing my medication, jumping straight to MRI - aren’t consistent with what he said on the phone so I’m a bit confused tbh.

I’ve been told I’ll have to lie very still for up to an hour for this MRI as well. I’m a MASSIVE fidget to the point I’m convinced I have ADHD because I literally cannot sit still for longer than a few seconds, plus I have anxiety which makes it worse and I’m already nervous about this MRI because the machines scare me for some bizarre reason so I have no idea how I’ll keep still for the length of time needed.

Can anyone shed any light on the change of plan from contrast echo to MRI and why they’ve increased my meds if the tape is okay? Any tips on how to keep still during it?

Any advice/anecdotes/experiences would be appreciated. Thanks

Edit: I received a letter with my results after the telephone consultation which contradicted what my cardiologist said. My letter stated I had “frequent episodes of sinus tachycardia which correlated with patient’s reported symptoms” so yeah, now I’m never more confused.

[ChoochSiesta]

You don't need to be totally still for the whole hour. Just need to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.

[Bex-88 in reply to ChoochSiesta]

Thanks, that’s a relief.

[Hidden]

You will have to rely on the direction taken by your health professional for your investigation. He/she will know more about your personal medical circumstances than anyone on here. As far as your ADHD is concerned, make sure the MRI operatives are aware of your condition.

[soppysokes]

the MRI will show more clearly the structure of heart and enable the right side to be seen. Its not uncommon to go from an echo to mri for that reason.

[Horse6]

Hi I have the same problem as you ! My holster monitor only showed one evidence of increased heart rate and they put me on Bisoprolol last October I had an echo which they said was fine but they then decided to give me an loop implant recorder which although Iam sure Iam getting palpitations etc they said it was fine on the last download!!!! I’ve had an angiogram but no results yet but they did have to give me a triple dose of Bisoprolol to slow my heart down . Iam waitng for a MRI scan in June . I feel like you that if they are doing g all these tests there must be something wrong.Good luck !

[skybluepink in reply to Horse6]

They use statistics which shows averages which they follow as gospel.If you are over 60 you have had it & they do not have to monitor or oversee your condition especially if female & if raise issue you are then punished by negligence of your disabilities & Chronic conditions delaying making matters worse emanating from Thatchers Cuts still happening as no longer professional standards codes followed or regulated especially pharmaceuticals & Safeguarding issues .

[Horse6 in reply to skybluepink]

Iam over 60 !

[Prada47 in reply to skybluepink]

Hello Could you please provide anything to back up your statement " They follow statistics and the bit that if you are over 60 you have had it ? Just I am waiting on an Angiogram to see how the Stents and Bypassed Arteries are performing i.e. still patent.

I was 67 at Bypass , 70 at Stents in Bypassed LAD and 74 when I go for a further Angiogram and possible Stents again to help with my Breathlessness.

ps In my Honest Opinion if Margaret hadn't took the actions required we wouldn't have the Good NHS we have today.

Regards

[skybluepink in reply to Prada47]

As with MRI head scans & APNEA & SYNCOPE TESTING too they say you fall between range but on low side yet ignore underlying issues re negligence of found disabilities & age damaging heart. further to point of cardiac arrest as relies on correct prescribing & understanding of disabilities seen & set up for eg spina bifida abnormalEEG neurogenic bladder one ureter too many .The system ignores the holistic & urgent progressive flare ups as run by those on remits & contracts from corporate committees a uti sample showed hematuria never investigated before cardiac nothing was done as had been cut off from hospitals to GPs & hospital Specialists given remits causing already genetic, low immunity to become lower now causing left hand bundle block [ ambulance] after cardiac ignored but no dept Glos & London responsible as not holistic or liasing .

[seniorita]

Could it be that he is listening to you, and taking your symptoms seriously, and trying to get the best tests to shed light on what is happening?

[Bex-88 in reply to seniorita]

Absolutely, I’m not at all saying he isn’t and I’m not unhappy he’s doing the tests. I’m just concerned and what he said on the phone didn’t match what the letter said. I’m just trying to understand.

Edit: I should clarify, he told me in the phone that my holter “didn’t show any arrhythmias or abnormalities, but some minor variations in heart rate” but the letter I received from him a week later said I had “frequent episodes of sinus tachycardia which were correlated with patient’s reported symptoms” so hence the confusion and uncertainty. What he said on the phone vs what was said in the letter doesn’t really match. I get they need to be careful with their words so as not to give the wrong impression but telling me there was nothing picked up on the holter only for me to then receive a letter saying the opposite is just confusing.

[GM1987 in reply to Bex-88]

Have you had the mri now? The cardiologist did the same thing with me after a stress test! An echocardiogram it’s as detailed so the mri is the best way to see in a much more depth how the heart muscle functions, without my mri the problems I had wouldn’t have ever been found. Hopefully your answers come from that mri.

[Silvasava]

I've had a Holger monitor, ecg's and echocardiograms but my cardiologist still wanted an MRI. TBH I was happy for this to happen as it's regarded as the 'gold standard' for investigating heart issues. It's usually to find out exactly what's going on so they can use the best way to treat rather than suspecting something nasty. It's not painful, just rather noisy and I was cold!

[bluedolphin2]

In my experience, it's noisy, my hospital gave me music to listen to ( plus you can still hear instructions while you are in there.)Also close your eyes before going in, does help.

Also you get a button that you can hold if you don't feel right during the process.

I also had a 7 day holter and then was booked straight away afterward for an MRI. They just get better pictures of your heart from a MRI, echos don't.

Try not too worry

Practice lying down before you go, if you think you might move.

But you can talk to doctors before going in if you have any worries.🌻

[Rag1]

I’ve had a couple now and am normally very claustrophobic, however, I saw having an MRI as a privilege - don’t see it as the enemy, there is nothing better to give you either peace of mind as to what’s going on or the right treatment. I shut my eyes the first time but not the second. Remember both ends are open and they can roll you out in a second as you have a button to press. Mine was an hour and actually once you have been in there a while you will relax. It’s a drop in the ocean in the scheme of things - you’ll be great.

[Qualipop]

You can ask for a sedative for the MRI and they give you a button to press if you really need to come out of it. Tell them your problems before you go in. It sounds as if you have dyspraxia where your body forgets the signals your brain gives to it and you have to keep reminding it by moving.

[Chillydipper]

I'm sure I'm not saying anything that others haven't already said. But it doesn't hurt to reinforce. The MRI gives much clearer images than an Echo. I would be thankful that they are taking your concerns seriously enough to continue investigations rather than leaving you without answers. If you're not offered sedation then feel free to ask for it. Have you tried any relaxation techniques to occupy your mind while you are lying still? It can help to concentrate on your breathing or concentrate on feeling individual toes and fingers to occupy and distract your mind. I hope it goes smoothly and is not as bad as you anticipate.

[Shocked61]

Hi, I went for a cardiac mri yesterday and was very concerned about feeling claustrophobic, but I have to say it wasnt as bad as I expected. There was cool air circulation at each open end of the scanner which helped. The staff were very reassuring and gave me a panic buzzer to press if needed ( I didnt) I kept my eyes closed the whole time ( approx 1 hour ), they gave me earplugs and headphones, wasn't allowed music as they needed me to participate in lots of breathe in, breathe out, hold your breath instructions ( passed the time ) I had the contrast media injected with no ill effects and I am glad to say they could tell me they had got good quality pictures, they said consultant should have results within 2 weeks, not sure when I will get them but hoping he may be able to tell me in a telephone call, which nay speed up the waiting Hope all goes well for you with your MRI.