artery MRI what to expect

Overview

An artery MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe, painless scan that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your arteries – the blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart. It helps doctors see if your arteries are narrowed, blocked, or have other problems, without using X-rays or needles (unless a contrast dye is given into a vein).

Artery MRIs are a common diagnostic imaging test, especially for people with suspected artery problems like peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, or aneurysms. They are used worldwide and are considered very safe.

Anyone may need an artery MRI if their doctor suspects an artery issue. It is most often used for people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or family history of artery disease. It is also used after a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) to check the arteries in the neck and brain.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• You may have had symptoms that led to the scan, such as leg pain when walking (claudication), chest pain, dizziness, or sudden weakness on one side of your body. The scan itself does not cause symptoms.

Symptoms in children

• Children rarely need an artery MRI unless they have a known blood vessel problem or genetic condition that affects arteries. If your child needs one, the staff will explain the process in a child-friendly way and may let you stay in the room.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have metal implants or pacemakers that could be affected by the MRI’s magnet. The staff will check for these first. Some may feel anxious about lying still for long periods – sedation or pain relief can be arranged if needed.

Causes

Main causes

• The reasons for having an artery MRI are to find or rule out problems with your arteries. Common causes include atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup), aneurysms, inflammation of arteries, or blood clots.

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Family history of artery disease
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Older age

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe headache, vision changes, or any stroke-like symptoms, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing symptoms like leg pain when walking, chest pain with exertion, or a family history of aneurysms, talk to your GP (family doctor) for a check-up.

Diagnosis

Artery problems are often first suspected based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor may order imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. An artery MRI gives very detailed images and can show the exact location and severity of any issue.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam and medical history
• Blood tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc.)
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – comparing blood pressure in your arm and ankle
• Doppler ultrasound of the arteries
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) – another type of scan with X-rays
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) – which is the same as an artery MRI

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of your artery MRI: You will change into a hospital gown and remove all metal objects (jewellery, watches, keys). The radiographer (the person running the scanner) will explain the procedure and ask about any metal in your body (like a pacemaker or surgical clips). You will lie on a narrow bed that slides into the MRI machine – a long tube open at both ends. You must stay very still while the machine takes pictures. The machine makes loud tapping noises – you will get earplugs or headphones. If contrast dye is needed, you will have a small tube (cannula) placed in your arm, and the dye is injected during the scan. You can talk to the staff through an intercom, and they can see you at all times. A friend or family member can usually stay in the room if it's safe. After the scan, you can go home and resume normal activities unless told otherwise. Results are typically reviewed by a radiologist (a doctor specialised in imaging) and sent to your referring doctor within a few days.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the artery MRI shows. If no serious problem is found, you may only need to keep up with healthy habits. If narrowing or blockage is found, treatment can include lifestyle changes, medicines (such as blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering pills, or anti-clotting medicines), and sometimes procedures like angioplasty (opening the artery with a balloon) or surgery (bypass). Your doctor will discuss the best plan for you.

Self-care at home

• Quit smoking – this is the single most important step for artery health.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Get regular physical activity – at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as your doctor advises.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or hobbies.
• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.

Medical treatments

If the artery MRI shows significant narrowing or blockage, your doctor may prescribe medicines to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, or prevent blood clots. These are taken long-term. In some cases, a procedure called angioplasty is done to widen the artery, often with a stent (a small mesh tube) placed to keep it open. For severe blockages or aneurysms, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the affected artery. The exact treatment will be tailored to your specific condition and overall health.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery might be recommended if the artery is severely blocked and causing serious symptoms, or if you have a large aneurysm (bulge) that could rupture. Common surgeries include endarterectomy (removing plaque from the artery) or bypass grafting (using a blood vessel from another part of your body to go around the blockage). Your surgeon will explain the risks and benefits.

Living with this condition

Living with artery disease often means making lasting changes to your daily habits. With the right treatment and lifestyle, many people manage their condition well and prevent it from getting worse. Regular check-ups and keeping your other health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure) under control are important.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow a healthy diet low in salt, saturated fat, and added sugars.
• Stay active – even walking daily can help.
• If you smoke, get support to quit – your GP can help.
• Limit alcohol to recommended amounts (no more than 14 units per week in the UK).
• Take all prescribed medicines consistently.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet is key: eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (like fish, chicken, beans), and healthy fats (like olive oil or nuts). Reduce processed foods and red meat. Exercise helps improve blood flow and heart health – aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Learning you have an artery problem can feel worrying. It’s normal to feel anxious or down. Talking to your doctor, a counsellor, or joining a support group can help. Remember that with modern treatments and lifestyle changes, many people live full, active lives after diagnosis.

Prevention

You can greatly reduce your risk of artery disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle early. While some risk factors (like age and family history) cannot be changed, many others can: not smoking, eating well, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. An artery MRI itself is not something you prevent – it’s a test to find problems. But regular check-ups can catch issues early.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines for artery disease, but staying up to date with recommended vaccines (like flu and pneumonia) can help prevent infections that could worsen artery health.

Screening programmes

Screening for artery problems (like abdominal aortic aneurysm) may be offered to certain groups – for example, men aged 65 and over in the UK are invited for a one-time ultrasound scan. Ask your GP if you think you are at risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated artery blockage can lead to heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease causing pain and eventually tissue damage (gangrene) that may require amputation.
• An untreated aneurysm can rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
• Chronic poor blood flow can cause organ damage (e.g., kidney failure) or limb loss.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most artery problems is good when caught early and managed properly. Many people live for decades with controlled artery disease. Advances in imaging, medicines, and surgery mean that even serious blockages can often be treated successfully. Your prognosis depends on the specific arteries involved, your overall health, and how well you follow your treatment plan. With a positive attitude and good medical care, you can still enjoy a full and active life.

Find support

International organisations

• World Heart Federation ↗

Local organisations

• British Heart Foundation ↗ · United Kingdom

Helplines

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