At our Hertfordshire practice, under the expert care of Dr Joban Sehmi, consultant cardiologist, we provide state-of-the-art cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) services using advanced imaging technology and compassionate, patient-centred care. Our non-invasive diagnostic approach ensures accurate heart assessment, precise diagnosis, and optimal treatment planning for patients with known or suspected cardiac conditions.
What Is Cardiac MRI?
Cardiac MRI is an advanced, non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed, three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels. Unlike other imaging methods, cardiac MRI provides exceptional soft tissue detail, allowing Dr Sehmi to assess heart structure, function, blood flow, and tissue characteristics with unparalleled precision. This gold-standard diagnostic tool requires no radiation exposure and can detect subtle abnormalities that may not be visible with other tests, making it invaluable for diagnosing complex cardiac conditions and guiding treatment decisions.
What Can I Expect During a Cardiac MRI?
During the examination, you will lie comfortably on the MRI table while detailed images of your heart are taken; the scan is painless, although you will hear rhythmic sounds from the scanner and may be asked to hold your breath briefly at intervals. In some cases, a contrast agent may be used to enhance image quality, which is administered safely and carefully monitored. The procedure typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, after which you can usually return to normal activities immediately. Your results are then expertly analysed by Dr Sehmi to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a clear, personalised plan for your ongoing cardiac care.
Conditions Diagnosed with Cardiac MRI
Dr Joban Sehmi uses cardiac MRI to investigate and diagnose a comprehensive range of heart conditions, including:
Angina Detailed assessment of coronary blood flow and myocardial perfusion to identify areas of reduced blood supply triggering chest pain, evaluation of coronary artery patency, and determination of ischaemic burden affecting treatment strategy.
Coronary Artery Disease Comprehensive assessment of blood flow to the heart muscle, detection of areas with reduced perfusion, evaluation of myocardial viability following heart attacks, and assessment of coronary artery anatomy and stenosis severity.
Atrial Fibrillation Comprehensive evaluation of atrial structure, chamber size, and function, assessment of atrial scar burden contributing to arrhythmia, and detection of thrombus or structural abnormalities guiding ablation planning.
Heart Valve Disease Precise assessment of valve structure, function, and blood flow patterns to determine severity, quantification of regurgitation or stenosis, and evaluation of secondary effects on cardiac chambers to guide treatment decisions.
Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Disease) Detailed evaluation of heart muscle structure and function, including hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies, with tissue characterisation to identify underlying causes and guide management.
Myocarditis and Pericarditis Detection of heart muscle or pericardial inflammation, including assessment of extent and severity using advanced tissue characterisation techniques.
Cardiac Tumours and Masses Characterisation of abnormal growths within or around the heart to distinguish benign from malignant lesions and guide treatment planning.
Aortic Disease Evaluation of the aorta for aneurysms, dissection, or other structural abnormalities affecting the body’s main artery.
Heart Failure Assessment of heart chamber size, function, and tissue characteristics to determine underlying causes, identify areas of scar or fibrosis, and guide targeted treatment strategies.
What Cardiac MRI Can Assess ?
Comprehensive Heart Evaluation
Cardiac Function and Structure Precise measurement of heart chamber sizes, wall thickness, and pumping efficiency (ejection fraction) with exceptional accuracy.
Myocardial Tissue Characterisation Detection of scar tissue, inflammation, infiltration, or fibrosis using advanced imaging sequences including late gadolinium enhancement.
Blood Flow and Perfusion Assessment of blood flow through heart chambers and evaluation of blood supply to the heart muscle at rest and during stress.
Valve Assessment Detailed evaluation of all four heart valves, including regurgitation and stenosis severity quantification.
Viability Studies Determination of which areas of damaged heart muscle can recover with treatment versus permanent scar tissue.
Stress Cardiac MRI Evaluation of heart function and blood flow under pharmacological stress to detect coronary artery disease without exercise.
Benefits of Cardiac MRI Imaging
Dr Sehmi’s expertise in cardiac MRI interpretation delivers significant advantages:
- No Radiation Exposure: completely safe imaging using magnetic fields with no ionising radiation, suitable for repeated studies
- Superior Image Quality: unparalleled soft tissue contrast and detailed visualisation of cardiac structures
- Comprehensive Assessment: evaluation of anatomy, function, and tissue characteristics in a single examination
- Non-Invasive Procedure: no needles, catheters, or surgical incisions required for most studies
- Accurate Diagnosis : gold-standard imaging for many cardiac conditions, reducing diagnostic uncertainty
- Treatment Planning: detailed information to guide medical therapy, interventional procedures, or surgical decisions
- Prognostic Information: identification of tissue characteristics that predict outcomes and guide management
- Safe for Most Patients: suitable for patients who cannot undergo other imaging tests like CT scans
Why Choose Dr Joban Sehmi for Cardiac MRI ?
- Dr Sehmi has subspecialist training in cardiac MRI from Imperial College and The Royal Brompton Hospital and has achieved level 3 accreditation in cardiac MRI from the European Society of Cardiovascular imaging (EAVCI).
Book Your Appointment with Dr Joban Sehmi
Take the first step towards better heart health. If you’ve been referred for cardiac imaging, have symptoms of heart disease, or require assessment of a known cardiac condition, expert diagnostic care is available. Contact Dr Joban Sehmi’s Hertfordshire practice to schedule your cardiac MRI consultation and discover how advanced imaging can provide the answers you need for optimal heart care.
Your journey to cardiac clarity begins here.