General Cardialogy

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Consultation

Cardialogy

This is considered the gold standard test for assessing heart size and heart pumping function, better known as Ejection Fraction (EF).

This is because echocardiography transmits ultrasound waves from a hand-held probe towards the heart which are then reflected back from the heart towards the probe; the final resolution is therefore degraded by “scatter” as the ultrasound wave travels through the many other structures on its way to and from the heart e.g. skin, muscle, lung, etc.

MRI scans use magnetic energy to excite water molecules in a selected section of the body; the time taken for those water molecules to reset (different times for specific body organs) is translated into a picture of the heart on screen; there is no scatter.

Insured?

Dr Banypersad is an authorised provider for all the major insurance companies, including BUPA (fee-assured).

All cardiac CT and MRI scans will take place at The Spire Manchester hospital.

Our associates are here to help you.

MRI has superior spatial resolution

As a result, MRI has superior spatial resolution to echocardiograms irrespective of body shape and size. It has limitless options for image orientation meaning a full 3D volumetric analysis can be performed for the most accurate Ejection Fraction calculation. Additionally, an intravenous dye substance (Gadolinium) is administered during cardiac MRI scans which highlights any abnormal areas in the heart.

Safe procedure

Finally, because MRI does not involve any radiation, multiple scans are safe e.g. interval monitoring of ejection fraction in patients receiving cancer therapies such as Herceptin.

Cardiac MRI scans excellent for:

Assessing the extent of damaged vs normal heart muscle
Assessing the presence of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
Assessing structural heart defects, known as cardiomyopathies, some of which can cause cardiac arrests, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Assessing ischaemia (lack of adequate blood supply due to coronary artery narrowings) in the heart. This requires administration of additional medications as is currently not offered at BMI The Beardwood Hospital.

Any adult patient:

After a heart attack for the most accurate assessment of ejection fraction
With unexplained chest pain or breathlessness to exclude heart failure or myocarditis.
With palpitations or blackouts to exclude a cardiomyopathy
Receiving cancer drugs / chemotherapy for accurate monitoring of ejection fraction.
With a family history of heart disease, which may be a sign of inherited cardiomyopathies.

Irregular heart rhythms may yield an indeterminate scan result
Imaging in patients with renal function eGFR < 30ml/min is generally best avoided
Patients with metallic implants should first seek clarification regarding their suitability