The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a main magnet coil (2) for generating a uniform, steady magnetic field within an examination volume, a number of gradient coils (4, 5, 6) for generating switched magnetic field gradients in different spatial directions within the examination volume, at least one cardiac RF coil (11) for transmitting RF pulses to and/or receiving MR signals from the chest region of a body (10) of a patient positioned in the examination volume, a control unit (13) for controlling the temporal succession of RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients, and a reconstruction unit (15) for reconstructing a MR image from the MR signals. In order to enable quick and safe defibrillation at any time during a MR imaging procedure, the invention proposes that at least one opening (19, 22) is provided in the cardiac RF coil (11), through which opening (19, 22) a portion of the skin surface in the chest region of the body (10) is accessible, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a defibrillator unit (17) connected to at least one defibrillator electrode (23) fitting through the at least one opening (19, 22) provided in the cardiac RF coil (11). Alternatively, the invention proposes that at least one defibrillator cable (30) is affixed to the cardiac RF coil (11), wherein the defibrillator unit (17) is connectable to at least one defibrillator electrode pad (26) via the at least one defibrillator cable (30).
