Improving heart imaging for women with ischemic heart disease

Tailoring Stress Cardiac MRI for Women with Ischemic Heart Disease

NIH-funded research VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11073070

This study is looking at new ways to take heart pictures for women with heart problems, especially those who might not have blockages but still have issues that are hard to spot, like many female veterans. The goal is to use a special type of heart MRI that doesn't use gadolinium to help doctors find these hidden heart issues more easily, so women can get the right care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11073070 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing cardiac MRI techniques specifically for women suffering from ischemic heart disease, particularly those with non-obstructive chronic coronary artery disease. It addresses the unique challenges faced by women, especially veterans, who often experience coronary microvascular disease that is frequently undiagnosed. The study employs a novel gadolinium-free stress cardiac MRI approach to improve the detection of heart issues that traditional imaging methods may miss. By tailoring these imaging techniques, the research aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and better management of heart conditions in women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women, particularly veterans, who are experiencing symptoms of ischemic heart disease or have been diagnosed with coronary microvascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease or those who do not identify as women may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment options for women with ischemic heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using tailored imaging techniques for diagnosing heart conditions, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions atherosclerotic coronary disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.