Advanced Cardiovascular Phenotyping and Precision Medicine
The Cardiovascular Phenomics Unit at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Center is a premier clinical research hub dedicated to advancing precision medicine. Our mission is to provide definitive diagnostic answers for complex cardiovascular conditions by using detailed physiologic and hemodynamic phenotyping, especially when resting assessments are inconclusive.
Our unit is a national leader in innovative testing, utilizing a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately and reproducibly assess cardiovascular functional capacity. We leverage Advanced Echocardiography, Vascular Testing, and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). For the most complex cases, we have established specialized protocols, including:
· Invasive CPET (iCPET) / Exercise Right Heart Catheterization: The gold standard for evaluating hemodynamics during exertion.
· Echo-CPET: A novel, non-invasive tool providing real-time assessment of cardiac and pulmonary function.
This work is deeply integrated with a robust research infrastructure aimed at driving innovation. As a centralized resource, the unit is equipped to support the research activities of various clinical trials, divisions, and departments, providing them with access to its advanced phenotyping capabilities, comprehensive data analysis, a multi-specimen biobank, and multi-omics clinical research.
The Complex Dyspnea Clinic: Implementation and Patient Care
This advanced phenotyping framework is implemented directly through our Complex Dyspnea Clinic, which is also integrated into the Pulmonary Hypertension Program. Our clinic is uniquely positioned to address the most complex cardiopulmonary cases. Recognizing the frustration of a long diagnostic journey, our goal is to uncover the root cause of symptoms and restore quality of life. We partner closely with referring providers to develop comprehensive, personalized treatment plans and return actionable updates that support seamless continuity of care. The program is a key initiative that operates with the help and support of Dr. Hesham Sadek, Chief of Division of Cardiology, to enhance cardiac care and research within the institution.
Having trained at multiple world-class institutions, Dr. Kubba brings an exceptional level of expertise and directs the program. Dr. Kubba has multiple advanced board certifications and completed an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The program ensures a seamless, multidisciplinary evaluation by uniting experts from various specialties. Dr. Kubba works directly with Dr. Rischard, Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program, and Dr. Insel.
We care for patients with:
· Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
· Pulmonary hypertension
· Valvular heart disease
· Multifactorial dyspnea involving cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, and neuro-muscular causes
Unlike standard evaluations that assess these systems in isolation, our clinic uses advanced testing to examine the entire cardiopulmonary-muscular axis during exercise. This approach reveals subtle interactions and diagnostic insights that are often missed in routine testing.
Why This Work Matters
Recognizing the frustrations patients face when searching for answers for functional limitations, our team combines expertise in complex hemodynamics, exercise physiology, and advanced testing to deliver patient-centered, compassionate care. Our goal is to shorten the diagnostic journey and provide clear, actionable answers for patients and their referring physicians.
Patient & Referral Information
· Clinic Location: Banner – University Medicine North, Building 2 | 3838 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
· Scheduling & Referrals: Patients may be referred by their physicians or contact the clinic directly at 520-694-8888.
· Eligibility: We accept patients with chronic, unexplained, or treatment-resistant dyspnea, even after prior specialty evaluation.
· Research Opportunities: Eligible patients may also participate in ongoing clinical trials exploring innovative therapies.
Saad Kubba, MD
Alumni Fellow, Cardiovascular Disease