The SCAR study uses a software program entitled QLAB, a proprietory program, developed by Philips Healthcare (Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA). Literature on two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2DSTE) is growing, but data relevant to the population in the SCAR study is minimal. Accumulation of data relevant for a population of subjects will provide a set of normal values for interpretation of 2DSTE and minimize any influences from differences in data produced from different companies. This data may also assist other researchers investigate other cardiac diseases and abnormalities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be between the ages of 20 - 80 years at study entry
• Provide written informed consent and be able to comply with study procedures, including permission to access medical records
• Have a BMI index equal to or less than 35
• Less than 5% risk of developing coronary artery disease as determined using the Combined Diamond/Forrester and CASS data (ACC Stable CAD Guidelines)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have taken cardioactive drugs within 6 months prior to examination

  • These include but are not limited to beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

• Currently clinically significant chronic or acute illness

• Documented cardiovascular disease

• Possess abnormal cardiac structure and function after examination with routine ECHO

  • This may include valvular defects, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiomyopathies or pericardial disease

• Documented congenital heart conditions or defects

• History of diabetes

• Be unwilling to provide voluntary consent

Normal healthy males and females

The objective of the trial was to establish a normal database for comparison. The database has not produced a specific study result. There is no publication as the sample size was not adequate.