Flash pulmonary edema is a sudden, abnormal build-up of fluid in the lungs. It is usually caused by heart failure and can be life threatening. The purpose of this study is to determine if a new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify abnormal blood flow to the lungs and predict increased risk of developing flash pulmonary edema among older adults.

Pulmonary edema is a condition in which an abnormal build-up of fluid occurs in the lungs, which then leads to swelling. Symptoms include shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, and coughing. Flash pulmonary edema, which develops suddenly and can be life-threatening, is usually caused by heart failure. It occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is weakened and does not function properly, potentially impeding the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood pressure and fluid volume then increase, and excess blood accumulates in the blood vessels and tissues of the lungs. Flash pulmonary edema requires immediate treatment, including supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or medication. This study will determine if a new form of MRI testing can be used to identify probable abnormalities in blood flow to the lungs and predict increased risk of developing flash pulmonary edema among older adults.

This study will enroll people who are at risk of developing flash pulmonary edema. At a baseline study visit, participants will undergo a medical record review, a physical exam, blood collection, questions about cardiovascular health, and an MRI stress test. For the stress test, participants will first receive the medication dobutamine, which will increase their heart rate and reduce the blood supply to their heart. Participants will then be placed in an MRI machine and images of their heart will be taken. All participants will complete follow-up cardiovascular health questionnaires three times a year for 1 to 10 years, depending on when participants are enrolled into the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

  1. Diabetes with a fasting glucose level greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl and has been receiving treatment for more than 5 years
  2. High blood pressure with a history of a systolic blood pressure level greater than 140 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure level greater than 85 mm Hg while on medication
  3. Coronary artery disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior heart attack encompassing greater than 5% of the left ventricular mass (total MB greater than 3 or Troponin I greater than 2)
• Heart attack, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or angina within the 1 year prior to study entry
• Medical inability to use any cardiovascular magnetic resonance device (e.g., implanted electronic devices, intracranial metal, claustrophobia, closed angle glaucoma)
• Medically unable to receive dobutamine
• 3-vessel or left main coronary artery disease
• Moderate to severe valvular heart disease
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 25%
• History of pulmonary edema
• Serum creatinine level greater than 2.4 mg/dL or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 mL/min
• Use of an investigational drug or device within the 30 days prior to study entry
• Diagnosed with any systemic disease, including cancer, with a reduced life expectancy of less than 12 months
• Chronic atrial fibrillation

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease