Heart Research Study for Pregnant Women
Study Summary
The University of Chicago and Dr. Roberto Lang are conducting a research study to evaluate the changes that occur in the heart and arteries as a result of pregnancy. In this study, echocardiography (ECHO) will be used. ECHO is a standard procedure that uses ultrasound waves to form a picture of the heart. ECHO can be safely used in pregnancy since it is non-invasive and presents no added risk to the pregnant patient or fetus. It is important to study the heart and its relationship with the arteries during pregnancy. In order to understand the cardiovascular (heart and arteries) problems associated with pregnancy, we have to first understand the cardiovascular changes associated with normal pregnancy. These changes associated with normal pregnancy are not yet fully understood by doctors. The normal volunteers in this study will be pregnant patients who have been identified, and are expected by their obstetricians to have a normal pregnancy.
ECHO exams will be performed during the first, second and third trimesters; and finally, 12 weeks after the baby is born. Your total participation in this study is expected to last approximately 14 months. Some of the procedures that will be done during the study include echocardiograms, medical history recorded, vitals taken (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate), electrocardiograms (ECGs--a recording of the electrical activity of your heart), and tonography (a tonometer is a non-invasive instrument, shaped like a pencil, that is used to measure tension or pressure in the arteries).
Benefits
If you agree to take part in this study, there is no expected direct medical benefit to you or your fetus. We hope that the information gained in this study will help doctors to better understand, diagnose and manage cardiovascular diseases or abnormalities occurring in other patients during pregnancy.
Participation Details
Initial selection criteria include:
- Female 18 years of age or greater
- Must be in first trimester of pregnancy
- Must meet study medical criteria as evaluated by Dr. Lang
Study Director: Dr. Roberto Lang
Department: Cardiology
For more information contact:
tochi.okwuosa@uchospitals.edu
IRB: #15663A
