Why Might I Not Be Able To Have An MRI Scan? | BHF

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Pacemaker and MRI scan

• Heart Matters magazine
• Understanding health
• Ask the experts

Understand health Why might I not be able to have an MRI scan?

Can I have an MRI scan if I have a pacemaker?

Published: 17 May 2016 Published: 17 May 2016

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Dr Mike Knapton says:

An MRI scanner uses very strong magnetic fields to create a detailed image of the inside of your body. These magnets may affect any metal implants or fragments in your body – including pacemakers and their wires but also implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), metal heart valves, brain aneurysm clips, artificial joints and dental fillings.

Most modern pacemakers, and some of these other devices, are MRI compatible, but you should always tell medical staff beforehand if you have a pacemaker or any other device inside your body. If we know about it then we can avoid any risks and ensure it won’t affect the scan quality.

These MRI magnets may affect any metal implants or fragments in your body – including pacemakers

It is usually only older devices that cause a problem, so we check the make and model number. An MRI can also affect the settings of your device, as each one is programmed specifically for your heart.

You need to remove metal objects like watches, belts and jewellery and wear a hospital gown for the procedure.

CT scans can sometimes be an alternative test, using radiation instead of magnetic fields, so they won’t affect your pacemaker. This scan involves lying on a bed which passes through a doughnut-shaped opening in a CT scanner to create an image of your heart.

• Learn more about living with a pacemaker.
• Read Barry's story of 30 years with a pacemaker.

Related links

• How does a pacemaker work?
• 9 essential questions to ask your doctor
• The expert view
• Sign up to Heart Matters

To find out more, or to support British Heart Foundation’s work, please visit www.bhf.org.uk. You can speak to one of our cardiac nurses by calling our helpline on 0808 802 1234 (freephone), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. For general customer service enquiries, please call 0300 330 3322, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. British Heart Foundation is a registered Charity No. 225971. Registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 699547. Registered office at Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW. Registered as a Charity in Scotland No. SC039426