The unique ability of MRI to assess function, flow, and tissue characteristics makes it very attractive for cardiac assessment. However, to this aim, two major problems have to be addressed. First, cardiac motion correction must be performed which is straight forward by using the ECG. Second, respiratory motion must be dealt with in order to allow for sufficient spatial and temporal resolution. The most popular approach is the application of breath holds which allows to address all current standard cardiac evaluations. Investigations during stress are of particular importance in the work-up of cardiac patients. To further improve tissue characterization, temporal and spatial resolution are pushed to their limits by free-breathing approaches which are under intense investigation. Some are close to routine application. Finally, novel techniques are ready for use in humans. Hyperpolarized 13C-carbon molecules allow for near real-time metabolic studies of the heart. 19F-fluroine molecules feature ideal properties to detect and track macrophages and to target noninvasively specific cell surface epitopes or other molecular structures such as fibrin.