Technical Development of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

To evaluate performance of novel pulse sequences for cardiovascular MRI in patients and healthy volunteers of both genders

Background:
 
 In the U.S., over 6.5 million people have heart failure. Researchers want to develop new
 testing methods for cardiovascular problems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve
 the clinical diagnosis and management of people with heart failure.
 
 Objective:
 
 To develop and test new methods for imaging the heart and blood vessels using MRI.
 
 Eligibility:
 
 People ages 18 years and older who are having an MRI of their heart or blood vessels. Healthy
 volunteers are also needed.
 
 Design:
 
 Participants will be screened with a medical history.
 
 Participants will have a physical exam and blood tests. They will have an electrocardiogram
 (ECG) to measure the heart s electrical activity. Then they will have their scheduled MRI
 scan. The MRI scanner is a large, hollow tube. Participants will lie on a table that moves in
 and out of the tube. During the MRI, they may have contrast dye injected through an
 intravenous line inserted into their arm or hand. ECG may be used to monitor their heartbeat
 or coordinate pictures with their heartbeat. A flexible belt may be used to monitor their
 breathing. A finger probe may be used to track their heart rate and/or oxygenation level.
 Their blood pressure may be measured. Pictures may be taken of their blood vessels, heart,
 and lungs before, during, and after they get medicine to increase blood flow. They may lie
 flat and pedal a stress bicycle to increase their heart rate.
 
 Participation will last for 5 years. During that time, participants may receive a yearly
 survey about their health. They may be contacted for an optional follow-up MRI within 2 years
 of their MRI.