This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of death in the United States. Traditionally, the breathlessness and exercise intolerance experienced by CHF patients has been felt secondary to a weak heart resulting from heart disease. Recently, stiffening of the aorta has been identified as a possible reason for these symptoms. We believe this association to be true. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows us to evaluate the heart muscle and the stiffness of the aorta at the same time during a stress test. To perform a stress test with MRI, a drug called dobutamine is administered IV until the heart rate is elevated to 85% of the individual's maximum predicted heart rate response for their age. We believe if we test individuals with MRI, we will be able to predict who will come back to the hospital with CHF by elevating the relationship between the stiffness of the aorta and the weakness of the heart at the same time. In this study, we will recruit healthy volunteers free of known coronary disease, age 24-65 years old who will each undergo one pharmacologically induced dobutamine stress test during an MRI scan. This is an important study because currently we spend in excess of 10 billion dollars per year providing healthcare to patients with pulmonary edema. If we can identify these patients before they return to the hospital, we may be able to prevent their hospitalization.
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