A method of generating ECG reference data for MR image data acquisition includes obtaining an initial ECG dataset from a patient prior to moving the patient into a bore of the MRI device, wherein the initial ECG dataset comprises at least two channels of ECG data. An initial set of R-peaks is identified and an initial R-peak polarity and initial R-R interval are determined. A reference ECG dataset is then obtained from the patient once the patient is in the bore of the MRI device. A reference set of R-peaks is identified in the reference ECG dataset based on the initial R-peak polarity and the initial R-R interval, and R-peak reference data is generated based on the reference set of R-peaks. Acquisition of MR image data from the subject is then triggered using the R-peak reference data.
