Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Post-Stress Left Ventricular Contractile Dysfunction: Does It Represent Persistent Myocardial Ischemia or Stunning?
Brief Summary:
This study is designed to examine the blood flow, the nutrition, and the beating function of the heart under different conditions. Patients with narrowed coronary arteries my have restricted blood flow to the heart. The lowered blood supply to the heart muscle may not cause symptoms immediately. However, as the heart pumps faster and harder the blood supply demand is increased. If blood flow is unable supply enough oxygen and nutrition to heart muscle patients can experience symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. Even after the heart slows down and demand for oxygen and nutrition is reduced, patients can still experience pain and abnormal heart function.
The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in blood flow and the beating function of the heart during periods of increased demands (such as exercise) and shortly after stopping exercise.
Blood flow to the heart will be measured by positron emission tomography (PET scan). The PET scan is a test where a small amount of radioactive water is injected into the bloodstream and pictures of the heart are taken by the special camera. This procedure allows researchers to measure blood flow to heart muscle. In order to measure nutrition (metabolism) of the heart muscle, researchers will use a radioactive substance similar to sugar (Fluorodeoxyglucose).
Results of this study may provide important information about the activity and function of heart muscle after exercise in patients suffering from coronary artery disease.