Improving heart imaging for women with ischemic heart disease
Official title: Tailoring Stress Cardiac MRI for Women with Ischemic Heart Disease
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11073070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX001901-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease or those who do not identify as women may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Kim-Lien T — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Kim-Lien T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.