Non-Invasive Measurement of Pulmonary Blood Volume Using Contrast Echocardiography During Exercise to Evaluate Heart and Lung Blood Flow

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess whether pulmonary blood volume PBV measured by contrast echocardiography can serve as a non-invasive substitute for invasive pulmonary artery wedge pressure PAWP during exercise. It will compare how PBV changes with exercise in patients both with and without heart failure and pulmonary vascular disease. The study is observational and focuses on individuals undergoing evaluation for exertional dyspnea. Participants are patients referred for invasive exercise right heart catheterization, including those with normal or low ejection fraction and varying degrees of pulmonary hypertension severity. The study involves performing contrast echocardiography during exercise to measure PBV and other related cardiac pressures and volumes. During the study, participants will undergo imaging and pressure measurements at rest and during exercise. Researchers will evaluate pulmonary vascular capacitance and compliance, right and pulmonary artery pressures, cardiac output, and pulmonary vascular resistance. The study will monitor these parameters to understand heart and lung blood flow dynamics during physical activity, with participation lasting throughout the catheterization and imaging procedures.

Contrast Echocardiography During Exercise to Assess Pulmonary Blood Volume