Imaging · London
Private cardiac MRI in London, read by a cardiac radiologist.
The gold-standard, radiation-free look at the heart.
Indicative pricing
What a cardiac MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£750-£1,400, reported in 48-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac MRI (function & structure) | £750–£1,400 | 60–75 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Cardiac MRI with contrast (LGE) | £850–£1,500 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Stress perfusion cardiac MRI | £950–£1,700 | 75–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Myocarditis / inflammation protocol | £800–£1,450 | 60–80 min | 48–72 hrs |
| T1/T2 mapping (iron, oedema) | £800–£1,450 | 60–80 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Follow-up cardiac MRI | £700–£1,300 | 60–75 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether stress perfusion or mapping is added.
The problem
An echo is a start. The heart muscle needs MRI.
Cardiac MRI measures the heart muscle, its scar and its function more accurately than any other test - and with no radiation. The right protocol, a cardiac-ready scanner and a cardiac radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
If an echo or ECG has raised a question, cardiac MRI often answers it. Your GP or cardiologist can advise whether it is the right step.
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Not sure who reads it?
Cardiac studies are usually reported by a consultant cardiac radiologist or cardiologist.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Breathlessness, palpitations, an abnormal ECG or a known condition each need a different look. These are the questions people ask most.
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Heart muscle & cardiomyopathy
The gold standard for the heart muscle - showing thickening, thinning and infiltration.
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Scarring after a heart attack
Late-enhancement imaging maps scar tissue and the muscle that is still viable.
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Pumping function
The most accurate measure of how well each chamber pumps (ejection fraction).
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Valves & blood flow
Measures leaking or narrowed valves and the flow of blood through them.
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Myocarditis & inflammation
Detects inflammation of the heart muscle, often after a viral illness.
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Unexplained symptoms
Investigates breathlessness, palpitations or an abnormal ECG when the cause is unclear.
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Congenital heart conditions
Maps the anatomy in adults living with a congenital heart condition.
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Follow-up over time
Tracks a known condition accurately, and without any radiation.
Cardiac MRI types
Not all cardiac scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard cardiac MRI
Structure and function of all four chambers - the everyday heart study.
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Cardiac MRI with contrast (LGE)
Late-gadolinium imaging that maps scar tissue and inflammation.
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Stress perfusion MRI
Imaging under pharmacological stress to check the heart’s blood supply.
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Myocarditis protocol
Sequences that detect inflammation, often after a viral illness.
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T1/T2 mapping
Quantifies iron overload, oedema and diffuse fibrosis in the muscle.
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Flow / valve assessment
Measures leaking or narrowed valves and the flow through them.
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Congenital heart MRI
Maps complex anatomy in adults with congenital heart disease.
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Follow-up cardiac MRI
A repeat study to track a known condition accurately over time.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A cardiac scan needs a careful device check and short breath-holds.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators (ICDs)
Many modern devices are MR-conditional, but this matters most for a heart scan.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. Your hospital can provide this.
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Coronary stents and heart valves
Almost always MRI-safe.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Breath-holds and lying flat
A cardiac scan needs short breath-holds and lying flat for up to 90 minutes.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed, as most cardiac scans use gadolinium contrast.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A cardiac report can look intimidating. It isn't.
However detailed the study, the report keeps to the same four parts - ending in the key measurements.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your cardiologist, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like it talked through before your follow-up, ask your cardiologist or GP.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and the clinical question - often breathlessness or an abnormal ECG.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (cine, late-gadolinium, mapping and, where needed, perfusion). Each answers a different question.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A description of the chambers, muscle, valves and any scar or inflammation, with measured function.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion and the key measurements - read this first. Your cardiologist plans the next step.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about cardiac MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a cardiac MRI show?
The heart muscle and how well it pumps, scar tissue after a heart attack, inflammation (myocarditis), cardiomyopathies, valve leaks and flow, and congenital conditions - the most detailed, radiation-free look at the heart.
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How much does a private cardiac MRI cost in London?
A stress or mapping study costs more.
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Is a cardiac MRI better than an echo?
They complement each other. An echo is quick and widely used; cardiac MRI is more accurate for muscle, scar and function, and answers questions an echo cannot. Your cardiologist can help you decide which is right.
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Do I need a referral?
A cardiac MRI is arranged with a referral and clinical details, so the right protocol is used.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Usually yes - most cardiac scans use gadolinium contrast to map scar and inflammation. The imaging team normally explains what to expect and checks your kidney function first.
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How long does it take?
A cardiac MRI takes about 60-90 minutes. It involves short breath-holds and ECG leads on your chest, and you lie flat throughout.
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Is it noisy or uncomfortable?
It is loud, so you have headphones, and you will be coached through breath-holds. It is painless aside from the contrast injection.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant cardiac radiologist report is usually ready in 48-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be sent to your GP or cardiologist.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover cardiac MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a cardiac MRI safe?
It is very safe, with no ionising radiation.