Cardiac MR has emerged as a powerful tool in the evaluation and management of many cardiovascular diseases. As a result, incremental information provided by MR is increasingly incorporated into consensus diagnostic and management algorithms endorsed by major subspecialties. Therefore, it is important that the imager have a strong understanding of the fundamental components of a cardiac MR examination, familiarity with the more common indications for referral, and the important MR-specific imaging findings that impact patient care. Overall, cardiomyopathies are the most common reason cardiac MR is requested and, thus, the most common ischemic and nonischemic etiologies will be reviewed.