DALTON, Ga. (April 3, 2026) – Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) now offers cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)s to patients as needed.
Cardiac MRI offers an advanced approach to heart imaging without the use of radiation or iodinated contrast. The exam produces highly detailed images of the heart, enabling providers to accurately assess conditions such as heart failure, congenital heart disease and myocardial scarring.
Results from a cardiac MRI help guide treatment decisions, including medication management, surgical planning and other interventions. The scan can identify scarring and muscle damage while also evaluating blood flow and pumping ability.
“This makes it particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, infiltrative disease and myocarditis,” said Ateet Patel, MBA, MD, FACC, Vitruvian Health Heart & Vascular chief of Cardiology. “The superior soft tissue contrast of MRI helps in identifying subtle differences that may not be visible with other imaging methods like CT [computed tomography] scans or echocardiograms.”
A cardiac MRI can take 60 to 90 minutes. It is widely considered safe for most patients. A non-iodinated contrast is used for cardiac MRI that highlights blood flow and tissue changes. This vital information will assist providers in providing critical insight for personalized patient care.
HMC uses the 1.5T MAGNETOM Espree by Siemens Healthineers USA, which has a larger opening than standard MRI units. The Espree provides patient comfort, high-quality images and diagnostic confidence for all types of patients.
