Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (also known as nuclear magnetic imaging, NMI) uses powerful magnets to visualize internal body structures. Computer-generated images show heart muscle, identify damage caused by a heart attack, diagnose cardiovascular defects and evaluate disease in large blood vessels such as the aorta. Measurement of heart function (e.g. blood flow) may also be possible. Compared with many other evaluation techniques it is particularly safe and accurate, although it cannot be used in patients with pacemakers.

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Glossary

Glossary entries within this article:

Aorta
- The chief artery that receives blood from the left ventricle of the heart and causes it to flow to the body.
Aortic valve
- Heart valve between the aorta and the left ventricle.
Aortic
- Relating to the aorta, which is the major vessel which carries oxygen-enriched blood from the heart to the body. The term is sometimes used to refer to the aortic valve, which is the valve that prevents a return flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle, aortic stenosis, for instance.
Blood pressure
- Pressure which is exerted by the heart when it pumps blood.
CAD (coronary artery disease)
- Condition in which deposits of fat or plaques build up in the cells lining the wall of a coronary artery, thus obstructing the flow of blood.
Congestive Heart Failure
- Condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the requirements of the other organs in the body.
Ischemic heart disease
- Disorder caused by insufficient blood supply due to a constriction of coronary arteries.
MRI
- magnetic resonance imaging

In the glossary you will find terms that we have provided with some extra-information.

Glossary

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Glossary