Diffusion MRI in Heart Failure
The development of symptomatic heart failure is frequently preceded by a pre-clinical period of structural remodeling in the heart. The remodeling process driving this transition, however, remains poorly understood. The investigators hypothesize that imaging the diffusion of water in the heart with MRI will allow its microstructure to be resolved. The investigators further hypothesize that the characterization of microstructural changes in the heart will help elucidate the pathogenesis of heart failure and the transition from a compensated to a decompensated state. Patients with recent myocardial infarcts and left ventricular hypertrophy, who are at risk for the development of heart failure, will be enrolled. The participants will undergo serial diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) imaging of the heart to characterize changes in myocardial microstructure over time.
• Healthy adults with no history of hypertension, diabetes or heart disease
• Patients with ST Elevation MI within last 6-10 weeks who are angina free, and have been seen by a cardiologist since discharge
• Patients with episode of heart failure within last 12 months and left ventricular hypertrophy, documented by echocardiogram or MRI.