Researchers in the UK and Peru have developed a faster and cheaper cardiac imaging test that can be used in developing countries. The scan is three times faster, less than one-fifth of the cost, and changed clinical management in 33% of patients.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for diagnosing many cardiovascular diseases. It is used to measure the structure and function of the heart, and to assess scarring on the heart muscle after a heart attack to predict if another will occur.

Researchers have developed an ultrafast CMR protocol for wider uptake in Peru. CMR had an impact on the clinical management of 33% of patients. CMR revealed a new, unsuspected diagnosis in 20% of patients, leading to a complete change in management. In 30% of patients no further cardiac testing was needed (coronary angiography, computed tomography, cardiac biopsy).

Researchers will follow-up the patients for two years to evaluate the impact of diagnosis by ultrafast CMR on long-term morbidity and mortality.