What Are the Risks of Cardiac MRI?

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces no side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves. This method of obtaining images of organs and tissues doesn't carry a risk of causing cancer or birth defects.

Serious reactions to the special contrast dyes used for MRI are very rare. However, side effects are possible and include the following:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Changes in taste
• Allergic reactions

Rarely, the contrast dyes can be harmful in patients with severe kidney disease.

If your cardiac MRI includes a stress test, more medicines will be used during the test. These medicines may have additional side effects that aren't expected during a regular MRI scan, such as:

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (a sensation of the heart beating hard or fast)