Treatment Trials

29 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

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RECRUITING
Atrial Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Patients With Repaired Congenital Heart Disease
Description

In this research study the investigators want to learn more about how well the investigators can visualize scar tissue in the heart by MRI. In patients with congenital heart disease who need a procedure in the electrophysiology laboratory, how the MRI findings match the findings in the electrophysiology laboratory is not known. This study works to answer these questions. Participants will undergo a cardiac MRI as part of the routine clinical care that was ordered by their doctors and additional imaging by cardiac MRI will be performed.

RECRUITING
Molecular Imaging of Myocardial Fibrosis in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Description

The primary aim of our pilot study is to determine whether fibrosis in the heart can be measured with \[68Ga\]CBP8, a positron emission tomography (PET) probe, using PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, in 30 individuals with documented cardiac amyloidosis. The investigators will also enroll 15 individuals with recent myocardial infarction and 15 individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as positive controls for fibrosis, and the investigators will enroll 5 individuals without cardiovascular disease to undergo \[68Ga\]CBP8 PET/MRI imaging as a healthy control group. The primary hypothesis of this study is that \[68Ga\]CBP8 will bind to interstitial collagen and quantify myocardial fibrosis in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. The investigators hypothesize that \[68Ga\]CBP8 uptake will be greater in patients with cardiac amyloidosis, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy than in healthy controls. Secondly, the investigators also hypothesize that \[68Ga\]CBP8 activity more strongly correlates with standard MRI measures in patients with recent myocardial infarction and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (where extracellular expansion is caused by myocardial fibrosis/collagen deposition) than in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (where myocardial fibrosis is combined with infiltration).

RECRUITING
Losartan for Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Sickle Cell Disease
Description

This study is a pilot, phase II, open-label study of the angiotensin II receptor blocker, losartan, in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) 6 years or older for 12 months. The investigators will enroll 24 patients with SCD over the course of 1 year with a goal to complete all study procedures in 2 years. The short-term goal is to obtain clinical pilot data regarding the safety and efficacy of losartan in stabilizing or decreasing extracellular volume fraction (ECV) after 12 months of therapy.

COMPLETED
Effects of SGLT-2 Inhibition on Myocardial Fibrosis and Inflammation as Assessed by Cardiac MRI in Patients With DM2
Description

There is an unmet need for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk reduction in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. In recent trials there has been promising findings of more effective glucose management and reductions in overall CVD events and hospitalization for heart failure with SGLT-2 inhibition. Using the capability of cardiac MRI with T1- and T2-mapping in assessments of myocardial fibrosis and inflammation, the investigators propose to conduct a clinical trial to investigate the effects of SGLT-2 inhibition with dapagliflozin on myocardial strain, fibrosis and inflammation as assessed by cardiac MRI with T1- and T2-mapping in patients with type-2 diabetes. Over approximately 12 months subjects will have 6 clinical visits at the investigators research clinic. During this time subjects will be randomized to receive either active 10mg dapagliflozin or a matching placebo. 2 MRI scans at one of the two University of Washington research imaging centers will take place. One at randomization and the second scan will occur approximately 12 months after the first scan.

TERMINATED
The Effects of Eplerenone on Markers of Myocardial Fibrosis in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Description

Hypothesis: By blocking aldosterone signaling in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of the great vessels with a prior atrial switch, and single ventricle "Fontan" patients, incident heart failure will be delayed, symptoms of heart failure ameliorated, and risk of arrhythmias decreased through decreases in myocardial fibrosis. Half of enrolled patients will complete an SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, perform a 6 minute walk, and have blood drawn for biomarker analysis at enrollment, again after 3 months without therapy, after 6 months on therapy, then finally after 12 months of eplerenone therapy. Half of enrolled patients will have the 3 month drug free period at the end of 12 months on therapy. Patients will be randomly assigned to drug free period up front versus at the conclusion of the trial period. Eplerenone will be started at a dose of 25mg and titrated up to 50mg at 4 weeks if tolerated. Blood will be drawn for basic metabolic panel analysis at enrollment, 3 months, 4 months to allow for dose titration, and at 6 and 12 months for monitoring.

WITHDRAWN
Effect of Isosorbide Mononitrate on Hypertension to Improve Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Fibrosis and Myocardial Function
Description

The purpose of this research study is to test whether treatment with isosorbide mononitrate will improve left ventricular hypertrophy ("thickening") which puts people at risk for developing heart failure. Once it develops, heart failure is a very serious condition and thus it is important to find ways to prevent it from happening. The investigators have reasons to believe that dilating the blood vessels with this specific medication will improve the thickening of the heart, which increases the risk of heart failure.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Fontan Patients
Description

The purpose of this protocol is to measure the relaxation of the heart in subjects with single ventricles who have undergone the surgical Fontan procedure. We will do this by measuring relaxation with MRI, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization and compare to blood levels that measure heart scarring. We will also measure relaxation before and after boluses of intravenous (IV) fluids to see if the relaxation changes when there is more fluid in the heart. Measurements of heart relaxation will be obtained from the MRI, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization for each patient and compared to blood markers of heart scarring. We aim to compare all of these measurements to see if we can accurately identify heart scarring and, if present, how much it correlates with impaired heart relaxation.

NOT_YET_RECRUITING
High Relaxivity Contrast Agent for Cardiac MR in the Myocardial Scar Assessment
Description

Elucirem (Gadopiclenol) is a new macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) with high relaxivity indicated for use in adults and children aged 2 years and older for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The product was approved in 2022 by FDA to be used to detect and visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the central nervous system (brain, spine and associated tissues) and the body (head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system). However, given its at least twofold higher relaxivity than other GBCAs, the performance of Elucirem in cardiac MR (CMR) has yet to be demonstrated. The hypothesis for the study: Half dose (0.05mmol/kg) Elucirem is not inferior to double dose (0.2 mmol/kg) Dotarem in the myocardial scar assessment. All participants will be selected from the investigators previous CMR study cohort with double-dose Dotarem T1 mapping and LGE images. Ten participants without scars will be recruited for the Phase I dose evaluation. Five for 0.05 mmol/kg and five for 0.075 mmol/kg. The investigators have identified 15 participants with LGE findings from double-dose Dotarem CMR acquired in the years 2021, 2022, or earlier years. This study was performed in August 2022. The same protocol will be used for single-dose Elucirem.

COMPLETED
Myocardial Perfusion and Fibrosis in Cancer Survivors
Description

This is a cross-sectional pilot study. The investigators seek to obtain early information pertaining to the relationship between measurements of myocardial perfusion reserve and myocardial fibrosis after receipt of Anthracycline-based chemotherapy (≥2 years prior).

COMPLETED
An Evaluation Of The Novel TRAMINER Sequence By Comparison To Late Gadolinium Enhancement Images
Description

* The purpose of this study is to show that the novel TRAMINER (T(Rho) and Magnetization Transfer and Inversion Recovery) sequence provides at least as good visualization and detection of sub-endocardial scarring, fibrosis, and acute infarction as the current gold standard Inversion Recovery (IR) Turbo-Flash sequence. * The hypothesis is that the TRAMINER sequence has the same or higher sensitivity in detecting small sub-endocardial scarring than the inversion recovery segmented gradient echo sequence known as IR-Turbo Fast low angle shot (IR Turbo-Flash), which is the accepted current gold standard for the detection of myocardial viability.

COMPLETED
Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Description

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiomyopathy and remains the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and an important cause of heart failure symptoms and death at any age. In HCM, pathological remodeling of the left ventricle involving myocardial fibrosis is likely a major contributor to cardiac dysfunction and also a nidus for the generation of ventricular arrhythmias. Serum markers of collagen turnover have been shown to reliably reflect the magnitude of myocardial fibrosis in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, aldosterone antagonist drugs have been shown to decrease fibrous tissue formation in the myocardium in certain pathologic cardiovascular states in which aldosterone production is increased. In HCM, aldosterone production is up-regulated and has been implicated in the formation of myocardial fibrosis. Therefore, the specific aims of this proposal are to: 1. assess serum markers of collagen turnover at baseline and correlate these findings with a variety of clinical and morphologic disease parameters 2. examine the effects of a 12-month treatment with the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone on magnitude of fibrosis as measured by serum markers of collagen turnover as well as changes in clinical and morphologic disease parameters. 3. explore the effects of a 12-month treatment with aldosterone antagonist spironolactone on heart failure status, diastolic function, arrhythmic burden, and total LV mass and quantity of fibrosis by CMR. The results of this proposal will offer important insights into the clinical significance of myocardial fibrosis in this primary genetic cardiomyopathy. The demonstration that spironolactone decreases fibrosis and improves clinical course would provide the rational for a larger multicenter clinical trial evaluating this novel therapy for improving clinical outcome in patients with HCM.

RECRUITING
Ultrahypofractionation and Normal Tissue Toxicity
Description

This research is being done to see if proton beam radiation therapy (PBT) results in fewer changes to a participant's heart measured with MRI-imaging than conventional or "photon" radiation therapy (XRT) for participants with non-metastatic left sided breast cancer. The names of the two study groups in this research study are: * Proton Radiation Therapy (PBT) * Conventional or "Photon" Radiation Therapy (XRT)

RECRUITING
Losartan in Prevention of Radiation-Induced Heart Failure
Description

This study is being done to see if losartan affects the chances of developing radiation-induced heart failure in patients who are receiving radiation therapy as part of standard of care treatment for breast cancer. The interventions involved in this study are: * Losartan * Radiation Therapy (standard of care)

RECRUITING
Phase IA and IB Study of AAVrh.10hFXN Gene Therapy for the Cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's Ataxia
Description

The purpose of this study is to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of AAVrh.10hFXN to treat the cardiomyopathy associated with Friedreich's ataxia (FA). AAVrh.10hFXN is a serotype rh.10 adeno-associated virus gene transfer vector coding for Frataxin (FXN). The drug is administered intravenously. This is a phase 1, open label, dose escalation study with a total of 25 participants.

COMPLETED
Imaging of Pathologic Fibrosis Using 68Ga-FAP-2286
Description

This is a single arm prospective pilot trial that evaluates the ability of a novel imaging agent (68Ga-FAP-2286) to identify pathologic fibrosis in the setting of hepatic, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. FAP-2286 is a peptide that potently and selectively binds to Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP). FAP is a transmembrane protein expressed on fibroblasts and has been shown to have higher expression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cirrhosis, and cardiac fibrosis.

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
MRI of Myocardial Infarction
Description

Heart failure (HF) is an enormous health burden affecting approximately 5.1 million people in the US and is the cause of 250,000 deaths each year. Approximately 50% of HF is caused by myocardial ischemia and requires immediate restoration of coronary blood flow to the affected myocardium. However, the success of reperfusion is partly limited by intramyocardial hemorrhage, which is the deposition of intravascular material into the myocardium. Hemorrhagic reperfusion injury has high prevalence and patients have a much greater risk of adverse left ventricular remodeling, risk of fatal arrhythmia, impaired systolic function and are hospitalized at a greater rate. Recent magnetic resonance imaging techniques have improved assessment of reperfusion injury, however, the association between MRI contrasts and reperfusion injury is highly unclear, and lacks specificity to IMH. Improved imaging of IMH and accurate knowledge about its spatial and temporal evolution may be essential for delivery of optimal medical therapy in patients and critical to identify patients most at risk for adverse ventricular remodeling. The overall goal is to investigate the magnetic properties of hemorrhage and develop MRI techniques with improved specificity to hemorrhage. New MRI techniques permit noninvasive assessment of the magnetic susceptibility of tissues and can target tissue iron. Therefore, the investigators hypothesize that MRI imaging of myocardial magnetic susceptibility can map hemorrhagic myocardium. The investigators will perform a longitudinal observational study in patients after reperfusion injury to validate these methods, compare the methods with conventional MR contrasts and develop MR methods for imaging humans.

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Multimodality Biomarkers for Noninvasive Assessment of the Fontan Patient
Description

This is a single center prospective longitudinal exercise training study and will enroll approximately 50 Fontan patients and 20 controls of a similar age, gender, BMI and physical activity level between the ages of 10-40 years. Participants will undergo an MRI of the Fontan circulation. This will include imaging of the heart, lung and liver. This will include specific imaging for tissue characterization and assessment of myocardial fibrosis, liver fibrosis and disproportionate pulmonary blood flow. The investigators will then draw blood (approximately 10 ml) for assessment of serum biomarkers and circulating microRNAs of interest. The participants will undergo exercise testing and will then start a 3-6 month long cardiac rehabilitation program. After the 3-6 month study period the participants will return back for a follow up and repeat all the testing completed at enrollement.

COMPLETED
Mechanisms of Diastolic Dysfunction Among Persons With HIV Compared With Non-HIV Control Subjects
Description

In this study, investigators plan to test two potential mechanisms contributing to diastolic dysfunction among asymptomatic persons with HIV who are on cART. The first proposed mechanism is that heightened systemic immune activation/inflammation in HIV contributes to myocardial inflammation, which in turn promotes myocardial fibrosis. The second mechanism is that ectopic fat deposition (increased visceral adiposity) in HIV relates to increased intramyocardial lipid content, which in turn contributes to diastolic dysfunction. Both HIV positive and HIV-negative participants will undergo cardiac MRI/ MRS imaging studies for evaluation of myocardial fibrosis, myocardial inflammation, and intramyocardial lipid content. Traditional markers of CVD risk, inflammatory markers/immune, hormonal markers, and markers of myocardial stretch/injury will be assessed in relation to cardiac MRI/MRS outcomes. Additionally, a small subset of participants with HIV will undergo longitudinal evaluations to assess effects of a clinically prescribed hormonal therapy on myocardial structure and function.

TERMINATED
Molecular MRI of the Fibrotic Heart
Description

This study is a feasibility study to validate magnetizatin transfer (MT)-weighted balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) against current clinical gold standard diagnostics, and to determine the applicability of MT-weighted bSSFP cine CMR for diagnosis of fibrotic remodeling in chronic kidney disease (CKD5) patients. Participants will not receive a study drug or placebo and will not be randomized. A total of 250 participants will be enrolled into this study.

COMPLETED
Noninvasive Imaging of Heart Failure: A Pilot Study
Description

Background: - Heart failure is a common cardiovascular disorder whose incidence increases with age, affecting up to 10% of people older than 65 years of age. As the population ages, the prevalence and cost of heart failure will continue to rise. Researchers are interested in using noninvasive imaging methods to better understand the symptoms and effects of heart failure. Objectives: - To conduct a noninvasive comparative imaging study of individuals with heart failure. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with heart failure (with at least mild symptoms and slight limitations on physical activity). Design: * This study will last approximately 2 years and will require four visits to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, with one screening visit and three study visits. * Participants will be screened with a full medical history and physical examination, as well as blood and urine samples. * Participants will have the following tests during each study visit: * Physical examination * Blood and urine samples * Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging * Cardiac computerized tomography to study the blood vessels in and leading to the heart * Echocardiogram to evaluate heart function * Electrocardiogram to measure heart electrical activity * The three study visits will take place 1 year apart. Participants will also receive follow-up phone calls 6 months after the first and second visits. * No treatment will be provided as part of this protocol.

COMPLETED
Cardiac MRI for Patients Enrolled in INFUSE-AMI
Description

Background: * INFUSE AMI is an ongoing clinical trial examining how patients with heart attacks are treated. The study's aim is to help determine the best way to treat patients with specific kinds of heart attacks caused by blood clots. * To evaluate the effect of the heart attack on the heart tissue and function, participants in the INFUSE-AMI study will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the heart at specific times after their heart attack. Objectives: - To perform cardiac MRI scans on patients who are participating in the INFUSE-AMI study. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who are enrolled in the INFUSE-AMI study. Design: * Participants will have an MRI scan of the heart about 5 days and between 23 and 44 days after their heart attack. The MRI scan at day 5 is optional. * Participants will provide a blood sample prior to the MRI scan. * During the scan, participants will be given a contrast drug to show the blood flow to and within the heart. An electrocardiogram will be used to monitor the heart during the procedure. * No other treatment will be provided in this protocol.

RECRUITING
DeBakey Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study
Description

While advancements in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have improved image quality, it is unclear how these improvements are connected to the clinical evaluation of individuals with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this large prospective registry revolves around 4 key principles: 1) utilize CMR to gain additional pathophysiologic insights into cardiovascular disease, 2) understand how CMR compares to alternative cardiovascular diagnostic modalities, 3) determine how CMR affects clinical management decisions, and 4) establish a link between CMR findings and long term prognosis in patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease. The ultimate aim is to utilize CMR to improve patient outcomes. CMR techniques to be studies include function, fibrosis, and flow. Focus areas include valvular heart disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and vascular disease.

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Mechanisms of Cardiac Dysfunction in HIV and the Effect of Statins: a Cardiac MRI Study
Description

In this study, investigators plan to test whether statins can preserve and/or improve diastolic function among asymptomatic persons with HIV who are on anti-retroviral therapy. Both myocardial fibrosis and myocardial steatosis are thought to contribute to diastolic dysfunction and eventually overt heart failure in HIV. HIV-positive participants will undergo cardiac MRI/MRS imaging studies for the evaluation of myocardial fibrosis and myocardial steatosis prior to initiation of statin or placebo therapy and then two years after initiation of statin or placebo therapy. Traditional markers of cardiovascular (CVD) risk, systemic immune activation/ inflammation, HIV-specific parameters (i.e. CD4 count), and markers of myocardial stretch/injury will be assessed in relation to cardiac MRI/MRS outcomes.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Effects of Eplerenone on Cardiovascular Disease in HIV (MIRACLE HIV Study)
Description

HIV-infected individuals treated with antiretroviral medications are living longer, but have an increased risk of heart disease when compared to non-HIV-infected individuals. A hormone called aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure and sodium balance, is elevated in the HIV population in association with with increased belly fat and altered glucose metabolism. Elevations in aldosterone hormone may also be associated with abnormal blood flow, inflammation, and coronary plaque in the heart. This study is being conducted to evaluate whether therapies to reduce the actions of aldosterone may decrease the burden and progression of heart disease in the HIV population.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Pirfenidone to Treat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Description

This study will examine the effectiveness of the drug pirfenidone (Deskar) in improving heart function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Stiffening of the heart muscle in patients with HCM impairs the heart's ability to relax and thus fill and empty properly. This can lead to heart failure, breathlessness and excessive fatigue. The heart's inability to relax may be due to scarring, or fibrosis, in the muscle wall. This study will test whether pirfenidone can reduce fibrosis, improve heart relaxation and reduce abnormal heart rhythms. Men and women 20 to 75 years old with HCM may be eligible for this study. Participants will undergo a physical examination, blood tests, and other tests and procedures, described below, to assess heart function. When the tests are completed, patients will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will take a pirfenidone capsule and the other will take a placebo (a look-alike pill with no active ingredient) twice a day with meals for 6 months. For the pirfenidone group, the dose of drug will be increased gradually from 400 to 800 milligrams. At the end of 6 months, all patients will repeat the physical examination and heart tests that were done before starting medication. These include: * Electrocardiogram (ECG) - electrodes are attached to the heart to record the heart's electrical activity, providing information on the heartbeat. * Echocardiogram - a probe held against the chest wall uses sound waves to produce images of the heart, providing information on the function of the heart chambers. * 24-hour Holter monitor - a 24-hour recording of the electrical activity of the heart monitors for abnormal heartbeats or conduction abnormalities. * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Radiowaves and a strong magnetic field are used to produce images of the heart, providing information on the thickness and movement of the heart muscle. * Radionuclide angiogram - a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein and a special camera is used to scan the heart, providing information on the beating motion of the heart. Scans are obtained at rest and after exercise. * Cardiac (heart) catheterization - a catheter (thin plastic tube) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and advanced to the heart to record pressures and take pictures inside the heart. * Electrophysiology study - a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and advanced to the heart to record electrical activity, providing information on abnormal heart rhythms. This procedure is done at the time of the heart catheterization. * Cardiac biopsy - a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and advanced to the heart to remove a small sample of heart muscle for microscopic examination. This procedure is done at the end of the heart catheterization.

COMPLETED
Myocardial Perfusion, Oxidative Metabolism, and Fibrosis in HFpEF
Description

Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) where several medicines and devices have been demonstrated to reduce mortality, no such therapies have been identified in HFpEF. This may be in part due to incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms of HFpEF. Recently, impaired myocardial blood flow, reduced myocardial energy utilization, and increased myocardial fibrosis have been postulated to play important pathophysiologic roles in HFpEF. The investigators and others have demonstrated that HFrEF may be associated with altered myocardial energy utilization and "energy starvation." However, there are limited data regarding "energy starvation" in HFpEF and the relationships between myocardial blood flow, energy utilization, and fibrosis in HFpEF are largely unknown. Therefore, the purposes of this study are to use non-invasive cardiac imaging techniques to describe cardiac structure, function, blood flow, energetics, and fibrosis, and the relationships between these in order to better understand underlying mechanisms in HFpEF.

COMPLETED
Early MRI Detection of Myocardial Deterioration as a Preventive, Disease Staging, and Prognostic Biomarker in Insulin Resistance
Description

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and myocardial tissue abnormalities. The study will focus on a patient population, South Asians, with a high prevalence of IR.

TERMINATED
Myocardial Perfusion and Scarring in Congenital Heart Disease
Description

Background: - People with congenital heart disease may develop heart failure earlier that those who do not have the disease. One theory to explain this is that the heart s own blood supply may be different in people with congenital heart disease. Problems with this blood supply can severely damage the heart. This damage can be studied with a heart imaging test called a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Researchers want to use this type of scan to look at the blood supply to the heart in people with congenital heart disease. Objectives: - To learn more about the blood supply to the heart in people with congenital heart disease. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have heart defects caused by congenital heart disease. Design: * Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. * Participants will have a cardiac MRI scan to look at the blood flow to the heart. * Participants will also have a heart stress test to measure heart function during exercise. * Other imaging studies of the heart may be performed to collect more information on heart function.

RECRUITING
Assessing Changes in Myocardial Tissue and Blood in Patients With Advanced Heart Disease
Description

Hypothesis: Tissue and serum samples collected from end-stage heart failure patients receiving left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD) or heart transplantation will provide information regarding the basic science of heart disease. Tissue and serum samples collected from a limited numbers of "healthy controls" (donor grafts that were not utilized for heart transplantation) will serve as a comparator in research database projects. Design: This is a registry project; there are no investigational treatments, drug or procedures associated with participation in registry activities. This project is an organized functional data and tissue data gathering and storing (database) endeavor with specific focus on the functional, structural, and molecular aspects of heart failure. Data collection will not immediately influence the course of treatment for any patient.