Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI) uses radio waves, a magnetic field and a computer to create images of your heart. Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography (cardiac MRA) is a type of MRI that looks specifically at the blood vessels. Neither procedure uses X-rays or radiation.

We offer a full range of advanced imaging capabilities. Our capabilities include 3-Tesla (3T) high field strength machines, and two wide-bore MRIs that accommodate larger patients or those who experience claustrophobia in standard-sized MRI machines.

Learn what to expect before, during and after your MRI.

Evaluating Heart and Vascular Conditions with Cardiac MRI

Physicians recommend cardiac MRI for a variety of reasons, but it is especially useful as a noninvasive method to diagnose heart muscle disease, and when detailed images of the beating heart are needed. A cardiac MRI can: 

  • Detect heart attacks.
  • Determine which areas of the heart have sustained damage after a heart attack.
  • Provide information about how much damage was done and how much live muscle remains — crucial information when considering appropriate treatment.
  • Determine the nature of masses and tumors.
  • Evaluate the causes of heart failure and arrhythmias.
  • Identify structural heart problems, including congenital heart disease conditions.
  • Assess the degree of narrowing or leakiness of a valve and its impact on heart function.
  • Expose organs or soft tissue for study that may have been obscured by bones in a CT scan.
  • Replace invasive biopsy tests.
  • Replace nuclear stress testing (in some instances), requiring no radiation.

Also, cardiac MRI may be used to predict how the heart will respond to treatments for coronary artery disease, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty. Some cardiac MRI patients will receive an injection of a contrast medium or dye through a vein before the scan. This dye improves the ability of the MRI machine to capture more detailed images. MRI dye does not have the negative effects on the kidneys like CT contrast can and is often much safer for patients.

MRIs for Patients with Pacemakers and ICDs

Froedtert Hospital and Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital are among an elite number of hospitals that can safely perform MRIs of any area of body for patients with a pacemaker/ICD — even older, non-compatible models. 

The Cardiac MRI Program follows special protocols for performing MRI scans on adult patients with a pacemaker or ICD. Even if patients have been told they cannot have MRIs with their pacemakers or defibrillators, they should seek a second opinion through the Cardiac MRI program, as many of them have been able to go on and safely have MRIs with us. In fact, 90 percent of referred patients are eligible for MRI.

Through the Cardiac MRI Program: 

  • Specialists work with referring physicians to screen patients and help ensure the procedure can be done safely.
  • Cardiologists and radiologists collaborate to interpret the images, and work with your doctor for follow-up.

Ask Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor if you have an implanted cardiac device and may benefit from imaging.

Referring physicians, please call 414-805-4700 to determine whether we can help you with your patient’s diagnostic or presurgical imaging needs.

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Our Cardiovascular Program continues to receive recognition as one of the top programs nationally. We are honored to provide high-quality, effective care for even the most high-risk patients.

  • The Froedtert & MCW health network has built a reputation for clinical excellence and our research draws patients from around the world. Our Heart & Vascular program recognitions include:

    • Premier recognized Froedtert Hospital in 2025 as one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals® according to its independent quality analysis based on a balanced scorecard. The hospitals recognized in the top 50 operated at lower cost and had better outcomes, recording significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates and up to nearly $7,000 less in total costs per patient case. Froedtert Hospital was ranked in the category of top teaching hospitals with a cardiovascular residency program. No other hospital in Wisconsin was recognized with this national distinction.
    • The International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS) recognizes our Cardio-Oncology Program as a gold level Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence in 2025. ICOS certification is awarded to institutions and practices that demonstrate superior expertise in the care of patients who have heart disease, are at high risk or experience heart complications with cancer treatment. The ICOS awards bronze, silver and gold certification. Of the two ICOS-certified programs in Wisconsin, we are the only one that meets the stringent requirements needed to be recognized as a gold level Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence.
    • Healthgrades recognized Froedtert Hospital in its 2024 Specialty Excellence Awards, including one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery, one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention, as well as other specialty achievements in various areas.
    • Becker’s Hospital Review recognized Froedtert Hospital within its 2024 list of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Heart Programs. Hospitals featured on this list are renowned for delivering superior heart and vascular care that results in high-quality outcomes. As part of a health network that includes eastern Wisconsin’s only academic medical center, our heart and vascular specialists treat a high volume of patients with a wide variety of heart diseases.
    • Froedtert Hospital is recognized as a Surgical Quality Partner and Verified Comprehensive Inpatient Vascular Center by the American College of Surgeons Vascular Verification Program. As the first hospital in Wisconsin to receive this designation, this recognition, shows our commitment to our patients in delivering the highest standards in surgical care. Learn more about this recognition.
    • The Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI) recognized Froedert Hospital as a Carotid Care Quality Champion by the SVS VQI‘s clinical registry recognition program in 2024. The VQI recognizes select centers across the country as Carotid Care Quality Champions for their dedication to improving the safety and effectiveness of vascular care through participation and engagement in VQI’s carotid artery stenting and/or carotid endarterectomy registries.
    • The American Heart Association recognized Froedtert Hospital with the following awards that show our commitment to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks.
      • Get With the Guidelines® Heart Failure Gold Plus Award
      • Get With the Guidelines® — Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes
      • Get With the Guidelines® — Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes
      • Get With the Guidelines® AFib Gold Award
      • Get With the Guidelines® — Resuscitation Target CPR; Resuscitation Gold — Audit; Resuscitation Target Survival
    • Froedtert Hospital earned the American Heart Association (AHA) Commitment to Quality award, a new AHA recognition, in 2025. The award recognizes adherence to the latest, research-based clinical guidelines to support better outcomes for patients.
    • In addition, the hospital was recognized on the American Heart Association’s Target: Heart Failure(SM) Honor Roll and received the AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll™ award.

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