The Cardiovascular Phenomics Unit at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center is an interdisciplinary program focused on advancing precision cardiovascular medicine through detailed physiologic and hemodynamic characterization of complex cardiopulmonary conditions.
The unit brings together investigators and physician-scientists with expertise in cardiovascular physiology, exercise hemodynamics, and advanced diagnostic testing. Through an integrated platform of innovative technologies, the program supports translational research and clinical investigation aimed at improving understanding of complex cardiovascular disease.
Its work is centered on advanced cardiovascular phenotyping, with a focus on exercise limitation, cardiopulmonary physiology, and the biologic mechanisms that underlie symptoms that are not fully explained by routine testing.
Physiologic evaluation of unexplained shortness of breath and exercise intolerance is a central focus of the Cardiovascular Phenomics Unit.
Program Themes
Advanced Cardiovascular Phenotyping
Using detailed physiologic and hemodynamic assessment to better characterize complex cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary conditions.
Exercise Hemodynamics
Applying specialized protocols such as invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Echo-CPET to study cardiovascular and pulmonary responses during exertion.
Research Integration
Supporting investigator-initiated studies, collaborative clinical research, and translational science through advanced testing, data analysis, and phenotyping resources.
Precision Cardiovascular Medicine
Advancing more individualized approaches to cardiovascular disease by linking physiologic findings with imaging, biomarkers, and multidisciplinary expertise.
Core Capabilities
Advanced Diagnostic Platforms
The program utilizes advanced echocardiography, vascular function testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to generate detailed physiologic profiles.
Specialized Testing Protocols
Specialized approaches include invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET) and Echo-CPET, which provide deeper insight into cardiopulmonary function during exercise.
Collaborative Research Infrastructure
The unit serves as a centralized resource for collaborative projects across cardiology, pulmonary medicine, and translational cardiovascular research.
Complex Dyspnea Program
The phenotyping framework is also applied through the Complex Dyspnea Program, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on understanding unexplained exercise intolerance and cardiopulmonary limitation.
Research Participation
Individuals interested in cardiovascular research related to cardiopulmonary physiology may be eligible for ongoing investigator-initiated studies or clinical trials conducted through the Sarver Heart Center.
Program Leadership
The program is directed by Saad Kubba, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and specialist in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.
Dr. Kubba completed fellowship training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and collaborates with faculty across the Sarver Heart Center, including colleagues in pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular imaging, and cardiopulmonary physiology.
This multidisciplinary model strengthens the Sarver Heart Center’s work in advanced phenotyping, translational research, and precision cardiovascular medicine.
Saad Kubba, MD
Assistant Professor, Medicine