Heart imaging scans to identify hidden heart disease

This study is testing a specialized heart imaging technique called T1 mapping to detect early signs of heart disease that aren't visible on standard heart scans. Researchers want to understand how this imaging method can help identify people at risk for conditions like myocarditis, heart failure, and heart muscle scarring—especially in people who may have had inflammation from COVID-19 or other causes. The goal is to create a clear reference guide so doctors can use this imaging to spot disease before serious problems develop.

Current heart imaging methods sometimes miss early signs of disease, particularly in people who may have subtle heart inflammation from infections like COVID-19. This study exists to establish reliable standards for this new imaging technique so it can become a routine tool to identify people at risk and prevent serious heart problems down the road.