Visualizing Vitality With Advanced Technology

MRAs have revolutionized the way we diagnose and understand conditions like atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and other vascular disorders, all in a painless and non-invasive way.

In the realm of modern medicine where technology and innovation intertwine, a magnetic resonance angiogram – also known as an MRA – stands as an effective method of vascular imaging.

In Canada, heart disease is the second leading cause of death after cancer, and a leading cause of hospitalization

Public Health Agency of Canada, 2022

Test : Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)
Early Detection Of : Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Disease, Carotid Artery Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Pulmonary Artery Disease

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Magnetic Resonance Angiograms (MRA)

Magnetic resonance angiography is an imaging test that shows your blood vessels and blood flow.

An MRA can detect narrowing or blockages in your arteries in a way that is non-invasive.

You have the option of having a non-enhanced MRA, which is without contrast, or a contrast-enhanced MRA. The images can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

An MRA uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images. Unlike an X-ray, an MRA does not use radiation. Instead, it gets information from energy your body gives off in a magnetic field.

Early Diagnosis of Issues in Your Arteries

An MRA scan is performed to diagnose issues with your arteries, such as a narrow artery. The information from an MRA test can also be used to plan a surgery or check out an artery for a bypass graft.

Peripheral Arteries

Carotid Arteries

Renal, Pulmonary, and Coronary Arteries

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs in the legs or lower extremities when there is narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is mainly caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.

Carotid arteries are major blood vessels that provide your brain’s blood supply. Carotid artery disease causes up to one-third of all strokes.

Renal arteries carry a large amount of blood from the heart to the kidneys. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from your heart to your lungs. Your blood needs to reach your lungs to gain oxygen and get rid of waste products like carbon dioxide.

Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. All three of these arteries play crucial roles for the body to function properly, and thus early detection is extremely important.

Benefits of an MRA Scan

An MRA scan offers a multitude of advantages, from their non-invasive nature and high-quality imaging, to their early detection capabilities and potential for improving patient outcomes.

Highly Detailed Images

MRAs provide exceptionally detailed images of blood vessels, allowing healthcare professionals to examine blood flow, detect obstructions, and evaluate the condition of arteries and veins with precision.

Early Detection

MRAs are particularly effective at identifying vascular problems in their early stages, enabling timely intervention and potentially preventing serious health issues.

Patient-Friendly

Since MRAs do not involve radiation, they are well-suited for repeated or ongoing monitoring of conditions, and they pose no risk of radiation exposure over time.

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How an MRA Scan Works

Step 1: Preparation

You will begin by lying on a table that slides in and out of an MRI machine. Your healthcare provider will remind you to lie as still as possible during the scan, as moving can cause distorted images.

Step 2: MRA Scan

Next, the MRI machine will start scanning. If needed, a contrast dye will be injected into your IV, which may give you a metal taste in your mouth for a short period of time.

Step 3: Removal

Once the MRI machine has finished taking images, the table that you are lying on will be removed from the machine, and your IV will be removed.

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Reasons to Get an MRA Scan

You may need to get an MRA scan if you are demonstrating certain symptoms and your healthcare provider would like to diagnose multiple conditions.

Aortic Dissection

Aorta dissection is a tear in the inner layer of a weakened area of your aorta, which is the main artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate detection and treatment.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in your pulmonary arteries, the blood vessels that send blood to your lungs. It typically occurs when a blood clot in the deep veins in your leg breaks off and travels to your lungs.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a stretched out artery wall. It may occur in any blood vessel, but is most often seen in an artery rather than a vein.

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Packages

InvestMed offers thorough health packages designed to meet the individual needs of our patients.

You can choose between a risk-specific package or a comprehensive package to analyze your health and wellbeing. Each package includes a comprehensive 1 hour physical exam and 1 hour review of results with recommendations to achieve optimal health.

Package costs will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Risk-Specific Screening Packages

Cancer Screening Package

Mitigate your cancer risk with preventive screening.

Package starting at $3,999*

MRI
DNA testing – 84 genes for cancer
Mole mapping
Advanced blood work
CT scan
Virtual colonoscopy

Proactive testing can detect changes in your body that could become cancer.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Stroke Screening Package

Knowing your risk for stroke can save your life.

$5,999*

MRA – Magnetic resonance angiography
DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
Advanced blood work
Carotid doppler ultrasound
Echocardiogram

Detect your risk of stroke early, even before symptoms present themselves.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Heart Disease Screening Package

Early screenings are essential for heart disease prevention.

Package starting at $3,999*

Coronary calcium score
DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
Advanced blood work
Exercise stress test
Echocardiogram
CT coronary angiography

Screening for cardiovascular risk factors before you develop heart disease, can help you prevent it.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Comprehensive Screening Packages

Comprehensive Screening Package

Get the right screening tests at the right time.

Packages from $5,999 - $11,999*

Whole body MRI
Coronary calcium score
DEXA scans
Microbiome gut testing
Genetic testing+
Heart health workup
Cancer risk review
Mole mapping
Screen for all material risks

Prevention is key to longevity, whether or not you are presenting symptoms or risk factors.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Corporate Services

Please contact us for a custom corporate package. Specialized corporate rates available.

Comprehensive, proactive health plans
Customized screening tests
Extensive medical risk assessments
Preventive approach to healthcare

Proactively manage executive wellness.

FAQ

What is the difference between an MRI and an MRA?

An MRA is actually a type of MRI. They both use the same magnetic resonance imaging machine. The difference is that an MRA creates images of your blood vessels, while an MRI can make images of your organs or even your whole body.

Can MRA be performed without contrast?

Yes, it is possible for an MRA to be done without contrast. This is called a non-enhanced or non-contrast MRA.

How long does an MRA test take?

An MRA scan can typically last 20 to 60 minutes. However, it takes a few minutes to put in an IV and get into position in the machine.

How should I prepare for an MRA?

Firstly, your healthcare provider will begin by asking you questions to ensure you do not have any metal in your body that could be a potential hazard during an MRA. This could be a medical device, a foreign object from an accident, or even a piercing.

You must also notify your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or about any health issues, allergies, or surgeries you have had. If you have any kidney or liver diseases, your provider may not be able to use contrast for your scan.

If you get uncomfortable in tight spaces, you can ask your provider for a sedative that you can take prior to the MRA scan.

What are the risks of an MRA test?

An MRA scan is non-invasive and painless. You may feel a slight pinch when they put the IV in your arm.

It is possible to have minor side effects from the contrast dye, such as headaches, nausea, or allergic reactions. However, this is rare.

Are MRA scans safe?

Yes, an MRA test is safe. It does not use any radiation, and it does not put anything into your body other than a contrast dye. Those who are at risk of problems from the dye can have the scan without it.

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