Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether pulmonary blood volume (PBV) derived from contrast echocardiography can serve as a non-invasive surrogate for invasive pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) during exercise. Also, to compare changes in PBV with exercise in patients with and without heart failure and pulmonary vascular disease.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients referred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for invasive exercise right heart catheterization for evaluating exertional dyspnea. Investigators will include patients with normal or low EF, and across the spectrum of pulmonary hypertension severity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient inability or unwillingness to undergo echocardiography including a contrast method, or if echocardiography would, in the opinion of the investigator, somehow compromise the quality of data acquisition for the clinical case.
• Prior adverse reaction to echo contrast administration