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Preparing for your stress perfusion MRI

A Cardiac Radiology Nurse will call you a few days before your test date to review your past/present medical history and answer any questions you may have about the stress perfusion MRI.

  • DO NOT EAT/DRINK any food items that contain CAFFEINE within 24 hours of your Stress Perfusion MRI. Examples include chocolate, coffee, tea, cola, etc. Because decaffeinated coffee or tea DOES contain a small amount of caffeine, DO NOT DRINK these decaffeinated fluids within 12 hours of your MRI.
  • Please do not eat anything after MIDNIGHT the night before your scheduled appointment.
  • If you are taking any of the following medications-Aminophylline (also known as Theophylline), Trentol, or Dipyridamole you MUST NOT take it 48 hours PRIOR to your scheduled appointment. Please ask if you have any questions regarding this. *You may take your other medications as ordered by your physician. If you are taking Insulin, please take only HALF of your morning dose.

What to expect once you arrive at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for your stress perfusion MRI:

  • Once all paperwork has been completed and reviewed, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Underwear may be kept on. No undershirts or bras may be kept on. All items that contain metal (jewelry, watches, glasses, belts, shoes, keys, etc.)
  • Once dressed for the MRI, you will have 2 IVs placed, one in each arm. One IV is for the contrast agent (called Gadolinium) administered during the MRI and the second IV is for the Adenosine, the medication that makes your heart behave as if you were exercising. A nurse and physician will be in the room with you while you receive the Adenosine infusion, which takes under 4 minutes.
  • An ECG will be performed to assess your cardiac rhythm before and after the MRI.
  • Once you are placed in the MRI table, you will be given headphones to protect your ears from the loud noise the MRI machine makes at times. The headphones will also serve as our means of speaking to you and listening to you throughout the scan. A cardiac monitor will be also be placed on your chest and will remain in place for continuous monitoring throughout the MRI.
  • You will be reminded to lie still and not to move when the pictures are being taken. You will be asked to do a series of breath holds during the exam which can last from 5 seconds up to 20 seconds. If you are unable to hold your breath any longer during these breath holds, we ask that you just breathe quietly.
  • The total time in the MRI scanner is approximately 60 minutes.