Study Shows MRI Scans More Accurate in Detecting Heart Failure in Women

MRI scans can accurately detect heart failure in women, according to some researchers. According to a new study published in the journal – European Heart Journal Open, researchers analyzed the records of 835 participants among which 60% were women who received an invasive assessment as well as a heart MRI on the same day. The researchers reported that the noninvasive MRI scans provided more accurate images than using a catheter to measure heart pressure. 

The scientists also noted that many people with incorrect measurements from an echocardiogram had correct measurements from the MRI scan. They said they believe the findings support using an MRI scan as a noninvasive test for heart disease. Some experts say that if researchers have indeed found a way to measure the pressure in the heart, it would be very advanced since there is no better way to do it without a catheter.

Physicians commonly use echocardiograms to detect heart disease. However, experts say they are often inaccurate. Although noninvasive, they do require an injection of dye. Another diagnostic tool involves inserting a catheter to measure pressure in the heart. This method is more accurate, but it is invasive and there are risks. 

The research team used an MRI scanner and developed an equation to determine heart pressure. They said the MRI scans provided much more accurate images. The scientists say this method can increase early detection of heart disease in women.

Experts noted that their current methods were often underestimating the heart pressures in women which led them to believe that there is a need for improvement within this area to better diagnose heart failure only in women. This recent research has taken into account the patient’s sex to provide sex-specific values of heart pressures.

This has significantly improved the accuracy of our method. Researchers believe this will enhance the diagnostic process for women who are suspected of having heart failure. It’s a step forward in providing better care for women’s heart health. 

MRI scans might be more accurate but there are some obstacles that prevent them from being used regularly. For example, some people find it very uncomfortable to be in an MRI scanner, to the extent that they won’t do it. Some people have physical limitations that make using an MRI scanner impossible. Besides those issues, using MRI scanning is very expensive. Not all hospitals have the scanner or the expertise to complete a heart MRI.  

Even though the heart still pumps normally, the increased workload causes the pressure inside the heart to rise. This pressure can make a woman feel short of breath. So, while women often live longer than men, they may experience more symptoms related to heart failure and a lower quality of life because of it. It’s important to be aware of these differences to ensure women receive the best possible care for their hearts.