MRI / CT

[Starwish]

I am too scared to go and have a CT angiogram because of the radiation risk. But I could go for a MRI instead.What is the difference?

[Hidden]

hi I have had a CT scan, 2 angiograms and a nuclear perfusion scan - for me it was more important to get a proper / clear diagnosis so I stopped worrying about radiation pretty quickly. But I believe it’s minimal.

Haven’t had an MRI so hopefully someone will be along soon.

Good luck!

[Tos92]

I’ve had all the tests Hidden has mentioned above, plus an MRI with perfusion. As Fishface has already said, the amount of radiation you’re exposed to is very minimal.

There is a difference between the two tests as they look for different things depending on what your cardiologist has requested. Below are links from the BHF website outlining what an MRI entails and the second link outlining what a CT angiogram entails / does.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I hope this helps.

All the best.

Tos

[Captain_Birdseye]

Ive had both and going to have both again.

What radiation risk are you worried about? From a CT it's minimal in reality as the procedure doesn't last more than 30mins... a cMRI can last over 90mins.

These are routine tests and wouldn't be offered on nhs if not necessary. There's really nothing to worry about.

[MrsSuzuki]

There's no radiation from a MRI scan that I know of.

Lily

[JMKJ]

I don't know the answer but want to know myself.

[fishonabike]

every time you go out in a car you are taking a far greater risk than by having a CT scan - how do you get to hospital appointments?risk is always a comparative thing, some things are riskier than others but we all need to see risk more realistically

[NiamhyD15]

Hi, I’ve had both a CT scan and more MRI’s than I can count. The radiation from a CT is minimal, especially if your only using it for the first time.

The main difference between the two for me is time, a CT will take about 5 mins, whereas a MRI for the heart takes around 40mins and they will need you to do breathe out fully and hold your breath in order to get the picture.

Hope that helps and good luck with whatever you choose.

[LadyZ13]

I was worried about this too - I've had a fair few of both now in the last 6 months, plus about 6 x-rays. My mother died from blood cancer and she had a lot of CTs (for a digestive issue) about 10 years before her diagnosis so I was convinced it was linked.

However, having researched more I'm a lot less worried. The X Ray is a few days radiation compared to what's naturally in the atmosphere. The CT is a bit more BUT modern CT are much more targeted than they used to be. My radiologists have always said the risk is minimal (and I always ask!). MRI isn't radiation, it's magnetic imaging, so that one hasn't worried me but I'll admit my school room physics is a bit rusty...

Hope that helps!

[bushy2016]

Ive had many over the last 6 years with lits of infusions and Im still here..bigger chance of getting run over than radiation overdose

[Callie456]

Lots of things can sound scary and lots of things are. Sometimes you get to choose between different options, other times you don't get a choice. I haven't had either of those exact scans but have had MRI & CTs before because the drs needed information in order to inform their treatment for me, or prevent problems.

My 79 year old mum has had at least 20 CT scans, over 40 xrays and probably 10 MRIs, she's not suffered from any radiation side effects to date, so maybe that can ease your mind a bit.

I'd say it's best to just weigh up your options, talk to the dr, which scan will give them the best information so they can know how to help you medically? At the end of the day, you want to stay well, so do whatever is best for you, both physically, medically and mentally.

Best wishes

[bones-bones]

MRI = no radiation !

[Palpman]

Radiation gives me atomic ache.

[MummaSoap]

I think you’re brave for acknowledging your fear and I want you to know it’s ok to be scared. Many of us fear what we don’t know and that’s pretty normal.

Have you discussed your worries and reservations with your cardiologist; perhaps they can answer any questions you might have and explore all your options with you to help guide you to a decision that you feel comfortable with?

Fear is a normal part of life, it’s what you do with it that counts 🙂

Wishing you all the best!

Soap 🧼

[1234_6]

Hi Starwish

Have you also looked at the BHF website itself as this has information on both scans - what they are & how they work, etc. so you can see what the differences are. This information might assist you to decide which test to go for - if you are given a choice, or at least put your fears at rest, if you are not given a choice on which test to have.

As others have said, it's OK to be scared.

Just try & concentrate on your breathing & following the instructions given during either test & you will be OK.

I've found that sometimes the staff doing the tests have just a little more time & patience than the Consultants do, so you can tell them you are anxious & they should talk to you through the test process & assist you to stay calm / reassure you.

Good luck