Cardiac MRI ?

[KopEnd]

Has anyone here been referred for a cardiac MRI and a stress test to determine the source of their ectopic beats ? This is what the electrophysiologist suggested yesterday when I went to see him after been referred to him by my cardiologist. To be honest I left the clinic a bit disappointed as he was not very forthcoming with explanations. I did manage to ask him what he thought after he had typed all the results of my echocardiogram, ECGs and Holter test and he just replied that 3% of ectopics did not warrant an ablation or anything of the sort but that he wanted to discard anything and he needed these two pending tests. Thing is I suffer from claustrophobia and it would be very difficult for me to get into one of those closed MRI scans. My anxiety has rocketed since yesterday just at the thought of it and frankly last night was quite bad with my PVCs. I have only slept a few hours and feel very tired today. I know there are open MRI scans but apparently none in and around my area. I really thought the echocardiogram was prove enough that my heart is healthy so why an MRI ? The stress test also bothers me as the thought of these ectopics rearing their head on the treadmill and something bad happening is getting to me. Looking back now maybe I should have taken the medication (Flecanide 25mg twice daily ) my cardiologist suggested and maybe I would be feeling better today and not worse. Would be great if some of you guys who have had these two tests done would advice me on your own experiences and how you coped with them.

[Lilaclover]

Hi, I've had a cardiac MRI for different reasons. Apart from your claustrophobia, it's ok. Only thing I can suggest is to keep your eyes closed and count your breathing, which is what I did. Also be sure if you are good with the breathing, it won't be as long. I was told it would be about 35 minutes and was out in about 15-20. I was asked to breathe in, breathe out slowly, count to 2 and do the same again. I breathed in for a slow count of 5, out slowly until all was exhaled, counted 2 and started again. Every now and then whilst exhaling, a recorded voice would say 'stop' and you then hold your breath until she says breathe out again. I thought it would be much harder than it was. I doubt this will help much, but hopefully it will a bit.

[2k2d]

I'd be honest with them and tell them you are claustrophobic. I had the open type so I can't advise. As for why they are testing, who knows? They did all that to me when I was only 38 so I was a little freaked out too. I think from an electrophysiologist's stand point, if your heart is healthy, it can sustain most types and frequencies of ectopics with no problem, so that might be why he is checking - can't say for certain though. And the stress test is a good idea because they can see if you have any ectopics that could be dangerous during exercise, how your blood pressure and heart rate respond, etc. It's no big deal at all and if you were going to have an issue during exercise, it's best to have it in a cardiologist's office. Oh and it's not that much exercise at all they just make you walk at a fast pace, maybe jog until your heart rate gets to a certain level, sustains it for a minute or two, then you're done.

[KopEnd in reply to 2k2d]

Thanks for you reassuring words. God bless you.

[Rosey666]

I have had two of these tests, you will be in the scanner for about 45 minutes in total, the radiographer will put two separate cannulas in your arms, one is for the dye and one for the stimulant (there isn’t any exercise involved)

I can understand your reluctance if you feel claustrophobic because it’s not a pleasant experience, what irritated me was the constant holding your breath while the images were taken rather than claustrophobia (I was a miner for over 20 years so that doesn’t bother me)

My ectopics were becoming very troublesome and are a result of several MI’s, the only effective treatment that I have had is Amiodarone which I can only take for a maximum of two years.

I got tired of people telling me that ectopic beats were harmless, they are very distracting especially bigeminy which causes me shortness of breath.