The Influence of Corticosteroid Treatment on Heart Function

Patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments are given corticosteroid treatment according clinical indications. Patients receive treatment at different dosage levels and in different preparations according to clinical indications. This study will investigate how corticosteroids effect the heart and specifically, longitudinal strain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable patients able to undergo Transthoracic Echocardiogram
• Patients beginning treatment with corticosteroids

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• Patients recently or chronically treated with corticosteroids