Complex Dyspnea Clinic

A Comprehensive Approach to Unexplained Shortness of Breath 

The Sarver Heart Center's Complex Chest Dyspnea Clinic addresses one of the most challenging problems in medicine—unexplained shortness of breath. Many patients experience months or even years of inconclusive evaluations across multiple specialties. Our clinic provides an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that uncovers answers where traditional methods often fall short. 

We care for patients with: 

• Complex heart failure
• Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension
• Valvular heart disease
• Multifactorial dyspnea involving cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, and 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

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) profoundly impacts quality of life. Recognizing the frustrations patients face when searching for answers, 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.

Innovative Testing Capabilities

• Our Echo-CPET Laboratory is the first integrated cardiovascular assessment facility of its kind in the region. We are a regional leader in:
• Invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET) / exercise right heart catheterization – the gold standard for evaluating hemodynamics during exertion
• Echo-CPET (echocardiography with exercise testing) – a novel, non-invasive tool that provides real-time imaging of cardiac and pulmonary function
• Together, these tools create a revolutionary diagnostic platform for unexplained dyspnea, allowing us to tailor evaluations to each patient’s unique needs.

Collaboration and Care

The Complex Dyspnea Clinic was founded to meet the needs of patients with unexplained exertional limitations. We work closely with colleagues in pulmonary medicine, congenital cardiology, and structural cardiology to ensure each patient receives coordinated, comprehensive care.

Patient 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.

• Research Opportunities: Eligible patients may also participate in ongoing clinical trials exploring innovative therapies.

The Complex Dyspnea Clinic at Sarver Heart Center is committed to providing answers, advancing diagnostics, and improving quality of life for patients across the region.

Saad Kubba, MD