MRI Cardiac Scan
A private cardiac MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your heart and surrounding blood vessels, without using ionising radiation. It helps clinicians assess the structure and function of your heart.
Written by the MyScanHub content team3 minutes reading time
From
£1995
All-inclusive. Consultant-reported within 3 working days.
- Consultant radiologists
- CQC registered
- GDPR compliant
- Report in 3 working days
What is an MRI Cardiac Scan?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves — with no ionising radiation — to create high-resolution cross-sectional images.
An MRI Cardiac Scan allows your radiologist to examine:
- The heart chambers (atria and ventricles)
- The heart muscle (myocardium)
- The major blood vessels connected to the heart, like the aorta and pulmonary artery
- Heart valves
- The pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)
MRI offers unmatched soft-tissue contrast and is widely used in specialist care for diagnosing and following-up disease of the cardiac.
Is this scan right for you?
Common reasons for having this scan include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
- Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
- Swelling in the legs or ankles (oedema)
- Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
- A history of heart attack or known heart condition
- Symptoms suggestive of heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
What an MRI Cardiac Scan can find
MRI can identify:
- The size and thickness of your heart chambers
- How well your heart muscle is contracting
- Areas of scarring or damage within the heart muscle
- The flow of blood through your heart and major vessels
- Congenital heart abnormalities (heart conditions present from birth)
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the surrounding sac (pericarditis)
Preparing for your MRI Cardiac Scan
On the day of your scan:
- Please wear comfortable clothing; you may be asked to change into a gown.
- Remove all jewellery and metal objects before entering the scanning room.
- You can eat and drink as normal before your scan unless specifically advised otherwise.
Please notify the team if:
- Do you have a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or other implanted electronic device?
- Have you had any surgery involving metal implants, clips, or shrapnel, particularly in your eyes or head?
- Are you pregnant, or is there a possibility you might be pregnant (especially in the first trimester)?
- Do you suffer from severe claustrophobia or anxiety?
Your report
Every MRI at MyScanHub is reported by a GMC-registered consultant radiologist. Your written report is delivered securely to your patient portal within 3 working days.
You can download the report and your images from your patient account to share with your GP, physiotherapist or specialist, or add a GP consultation to talk the findings through. How to open and share your results.
Why consider a private MRI scan for the cardiac?
When you need answers quickly — or when prior imaging has been inconclusive — a private MRI at MyScanHub gives you timely access and specialist reporting without the wait.
Private scan benefits include:
- Fast access — same-day or next-day appointments, no waiting list
- Consultant radiologist report within 3 working days
- Fully-private, CQC-registered, GDPR-compliant imaging centre
- Secure online access to your report and images, easy to share with your GP or specialist
Smarter scanning. Proactive health. Peace of mind.
Step 1
Choose
Pick a scan or a programme. No GP referral required.
Step 2
Book
Select a time online — same-day availability most weekdays.
Step 3
Scan
Be seen by consultants at our Dartford, Kent imaging centre.
Step 4
Results
Consultant-led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cardiac MRI take?
A typical cardiac MRI scan takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. During this time, you'll need to lie still on the scanner bed.
Do I need a referral for a cardiac MRI?
No, you do not need a referral from your GP. You can self-refer and book your private cardiac MRI scan directly with MyScanHub.
Will I receive my results immediately?
Your scan images will be reviewed by a UK-certified Consultant Radiologist. You will typically receive your detailed report within 3 working days via your secure online patient portal.
Can I have contrast dye with my cardiac MRI?
A gadolinium contrast agent may be used to enhance certain images, but this is an optional add-on and costs an additional £120. Its use requires clinical confirmation before booking.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — MyScanHub accepts self-referral for most scans. Our consultant radiologists review every case. Some scans (e.g. contrast studies) do need a referring clinician; we'll let you know at booking.
When will I get my report?
Written reports from a GMC-registered consultant radiologist are delivered within 3 working days of your scan, often sooner. You can access the report — and the imaging — through your patient account at myscanhub.com.
Where is the clinic?
Our imaging centre is at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford, Kent (DA9 9ST), in the Guildhall Outer Car Park — free parking, a few minutes from junction 2 of the M25 and the A2. We're open Monday to Saturday 8am–9pm and Sunday 10am–5pm. Full directions are sent with your booking confirmation.
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Ready to book your MRI Cardiac Scan?
Book online in minutes. Same-day and next-day slots available most weekdays in Dartford, Kent. Consultant-reported within 3 working days.
At our clinic in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford: free parking, open seven days. How to find us · All private MRI scans in Dartford & Kent