Due to its high temporal and spatial resolution, the described MR technique is able to face the requirements of the small sized, fast beating mouse heart, resulting in time-resolved visualization of the cardiac morphology and function in great detail. This allows for accurate and reproducible quantification of LV performance including wall motion and contraction-relaxation dynamics. Hence, MRI offers the non-invasive investigation of physiological and pathophysiological changes of cardiac function over time, both under acute and chronic myocardial stress.