Metabolic Risk Factors and Myocardial Oxygenation Reserve

Metabolic Risk Factors and Myocardial Oxygenation Reserve (META-MORE)

The purpose of this study is to use MRI images using the OS-CMR technique to view the differences in the hearts of healthy volunteers and participants with a condition called Metabolic Syndrome. The objectives of this project are to compare these two groups and to view how health risks, blood test results, and the time since a Metabolic diagnosis can affect heart health.

Myocardial oxygenation changes during vasoactive breathing maneuvers, observed with oxygenation-sensitive cardiac MRI, will be identified and compared between individuals considered healthy and those fitting the criteria of the Metabolic Syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patient Participants:

• Age 18-80
• Informed Consent
• Diagnosis of MetS (through at least 3 MetS characteristics (abdominal obesity, high triglyceride level, low HDL cholesterol, high systolic blood pressure, and high fasting glucose levels)

Healthy Volunteers:

• Age 18-80
• No known current or pre-existing significant medical problems that would affect the cardiovascular or respiratory system
• No Smoking

Exclusion Criteria:

• General MRI contraindications*
• Pacemakers, defibrillating wires, implanted defibrillators, intracranial aneurysm clips, metallic foreign bodies in the eyes, knowledge or suspicion of pregnancy.
• Consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, "energy drink") during the 12 hours prior to the exam