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Introduction: Parametric mapping is a non-invasive method to quantify tissue changes in the myocardium by measuring T1, T2 and T2* relaxation times and extracellular volume, requiring a pre-established range of normal values. Purpose: To establish reference values for native T1 and T2 myocardial relaxation times in healthy subjects on 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging and to assess changes in their values according to left ventricular segments, age, sex, heart rate, and myocardial thickness. Material and Methods: A prospective 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging study was performed with the voluntary participation of 50 healthy individuals in different age groups. Image analysis was performed by a radiologist with 5 years of experience in the field of CMRT and further coordinated with a radiologist with more than 20 years of expe-rience in the field. Siemens ARGUS integrated software was used to calculate the volumes and function of both cameras. Global and segmental T1 and T2 values were measured in the shortaxis midlevel section by manually delineating the region of interest. Myocardial thickness of the mid septum was measured for each patient. Results: The distribution of volunteers was 25 men and 25 women. Significantly higher global T1 values were observed in women (1027.7 ± 25.4 ms) compared to men (992.9 ± 24.4 ms), at p < 0.001. The same correlation was observed in individual segments, with a significant difference between genders. Examination of the correlation between T1 and other parameters demonstrated a negative linear relationship only with myocardial thickness. Global T2 in women (48.6 ± 2.49 ms) was also significantly higher than in men (44.6 ± 2.06 ms), with an observed difference of 3.95, p < 0.001. Global T2 showed a very strong negative correlation with myocardial thickness (r = -0.769; p < 0.001). There was no sig-nificant correlation between T2 times and heart rate and age of patients. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in native T1 and T2 values by sex was demonstrated. The use of sex-specific reference values to distinguish healthy from pathologically affected myocardium is recommended.

Ischemic heart disease, its sequelae and complications contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Significant technological progress in recent years has significantly expanded the application of non-invasive imaging modalities in the systematic and complex evaluation of patients with ischemic heart disease in the preclinical and clinically developed stages of the disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging includes a complex morphological and functional assessment. Regional and global myocardial kinetics and function, morphological changes in myocardial tissue in the form of edema, hemorrhage, and scarring determine various manifestations of myocardial ischemia in its acute and chronic form. Currently established clinical protocols have already demonstrated their diagnostic and prognostic value. Under the influence of unceasing clinical interest, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is constantly developing and improving with emerging imaging technologies that provide additional information based on advanced quantification of imaging biomarkers and improved diagnostic accuracy, therefore potentially allowing reduction or avoidance of contrast and/or stressor agents.