Cardiac MRI is generally safe, with no side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves used to capture images of organs and tissues. Unlike some imaging methods, such as X-rays, there is no associated risk of cancer or birth defects.
While serious reactions to the contrast agent used in MRI are rare, some possible side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, changes in taste, and allergic reactions. In individuals with severe kidney or liver disease, there’s a risk of a condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
During a cardiac MRI stress test, additional medications may be administered, which can have side effects not typically associated with a standard MRI scan. These side effects may include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations (sensations of skipped, fluttering, or rapid heartbeats).