Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Stress Test Without Contrast
A cardiac MRI stress study evaluates how the heart responds to stress and may assess its function and tissue without using contrast dye.
["This imaging test looks for changes in the heart during stress that might not be apparent at rest."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80500-2
- Short code
- MR Hrt W stress+WO contr
- Synonyms
- MR Hrt W stress+WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A cardiac MRI stress test uses magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the heart while it is under stress. Because this version is performed without contrast dye, it generally relies on differences in blood flow or tissue behavior rather than contrast-enhanced images.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to investigate suspected coronary artery disease, reduced blood flow to the heart, or changes in heart muscle. It may also be used to evaluate heart function or possible inflammation, scarring, or other tissue abnormalities.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a table inside an MRI scanner while images of your heart are taken. Your heart is then placed under stress, either with medication or sometimes with exercise, and additional images are recorded while your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and symptoms are monitored.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about eating, drinking, and taking medicines. Tell the care team if you have claustrophobia, implanted devices, kidney disease, or a history of significant reactions to medicines used for the stress portion of the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, a heart attack or other injury, scar tissue, inflammation, or impaired heart function. The exact meaning depends on the images obtained, the type of stress used, and your symptoms and medical history. A cardiologist should interpret the results in the context of your other tests.
Short name
Cardiac MRI stress test
Frequently asked questions
Is contrast dye used in this test?
How is stress created during the test?
What should I do if I feel chest pain or shortness of breath?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy