Cardiology · UK
Cardiac MRI - the reference test for cardiomyopathy and myocardial tissue.
A 45–60 minute MRI that measures chamber volumes, ejection fraction and - with gadolinium - myocardial scar. Reported by a cardiac-imaging consultant. The reference standard for cardiomyopathies, myocarditis and complex congenital disease.
Indicative pricing
What private cardiac MRI costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner units.
In short
£700–£1,300, results in 7–10 working days.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac MRI | £700–£1,300 | 45–60 min | 7–10 working days |
| Consultant consultation | £200–£400 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Pre-procedure bloods | £80–£220 | 5 min blood draw | 24–72 hours |
| Follow-up review | £150–£300 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital, by consultant and by the complexity of your case.
The problem
The right cardiac MRI, at the right time - with the right consultant.
NHS pathways are excellent but capacity is stretched. Private care shortens the timeline and lets you choose the consultant.
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NHS waits are long
Median waits for elective work vary by region and specialty; private care shortens the timeline.
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The right consultant matters
Outcomes in cardiology track with volume and subspecialisation - not just hospital brand.
When it helps
When cardiac MRI is the right step.
Situations where cardiac MRI is a reasonable next step in the UK.
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Suspected cardiomyopathy
HCM, DCM, ARVC, amyloid or Fabry pattern.
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Post-COVID or post-viral myocarditis
T2 mapping and late gadolinium detect inflammation and scar.
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Unexplained heart failure
Differentiate ischaemic vs non-ischaemic aetiology.
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Ventricular arrhythmia workup
Substrate mapping before EP procedures.
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Family screening
First-degree relatives of HCM/ARVC probands.
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Congenital heart follow-up
Adult congenital patients under long-term surveillance.
Procedure options
Options within cardiac MRI.
Technique and delivery vary by consultant and case.
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CMR with contrast
Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) for scar.
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Non-contrast CMR
Volumes and function only - for eGFR <30 or contrast avoidance.
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Stress CMR (adenosine)
Perfusion under pharmacological stress.
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T1/T2 mapping
Quantitative tissue characterisation for infiltrative disease.
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
The safety profile is well understood - the honest bits are here.
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No radiation
MRI uses magnetic fields.
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Gadolinium safety
Modern macrocyclic agents - very low reaction rate.
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Pacemaker checks
MRI-conditional devices only, with cardiology programming.
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Claustrophobia
45–60 minutes prone - wide-bore scanners help.
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Breath-holds
Multiple 10–15 second breath-holds are required.
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Not for acute chest pain
A&E first; CMR follows a positive troponin later.
Reading your notes
Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre performs the procedure, the report keeps to the same shape.
- 01 Header
Indication and consent
Why the procedure was done, what was consented and any relevant history.
- 02 Findings
What was seen or done
The technical detail - anatomy, samples, devices used, measurements.
- 03 Assessment
Consultant interpretation
What the findings mean in your clinical context.
- 04 Impression
Summary and next step
Read this first - the bottom line and recommended follow-up.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Usually covered by UK private medical insurance when there is a specialist referral and a clear clinical indication.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cardiac MRI.
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How much does private cardiac MRI cost in the UK?
We share two or three options with cover checked.
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Is cardiac MRI covered by UK private medical insurance?
Usually yes with a specialist referral and clear indication. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna are the mainstream insurers we work with.
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How soon can I be booked?
Most patients are seen within a week; urgent cases the same week where clinically appropriate.
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Where is it performed?
In CQC-registered UK hospitals and clinics across London and the major cities.
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Will the NHS see the results?
The report goes to you and - with your consent - your NHS GP.
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Is there an NHS pathway for this?
Yes, but waits vary by region. Private care is an option when timing, choice of consultant or symptom burden makes waiting unattractive.
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