Grant: Operating Grant

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada and the most common cause of hospitalization. Among cardiovascular diseases, heart failure - a cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to pump sufficiently - is the most rapidly raising disorder that will impact on the lives of Canadians. Around 2% of the adult population has heart failure, although it mainly affects elderly people: 6 to 10% of people over the age of 65 years have this disorder. Heart failure affects approximately 400,000 Canadians and the number of cases is continually rising due to the aging of the population. It contributes significantly to cardiac mortality and represents an extremely costly public health problem. A detailed examination by ultrasound imaging often reveals whether a patient has heart failure. Cardiac ultrasound is recognized as the most important investigation tool for the patient with this disease. It may provide extensive information on the abilities of the heart pump. This technique is nonetheless subject to important limitations and further technical development is still necessary. The objective of this project is to develop a new ultrasound imaging technique that can provide a deeper look at the cardiac mechanics. This technique will take account of the blood flow within the principal cardiac chamber as well as the properties of the cardiac wall. New information derived from this novel imaging modality will allow the physician to assess the heart pump ability rapidly and objectively.