Cardiovascular MR imaging (CVMR) has become a valuable diagnostic imaging modality for the non-invasive detection cardiovascular diseases. In this review, first key concepts and practical considerations of parallel CVMR are outlined. Next, highly accelerated CVMR applications are reviewed, ranging from cardiac anatomical and functional assessment to myocardial perfusion and viability to MR angiography of the coronary arteries and the large vessels. Finally, current trends, including the broad move towards high field imaging, and future directions in highly parallel CVMR are considered..