Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Technology in medicine is advancing rapidly. This is as true in diseases of the heart as it is in other areas. Heart and blood vessel disease remain the leading cause of death in Canada and at least half of all deaths occur suddenly. This is usually due to an irregular heart beat leading to cardiac arrest that is not compatible with life unless intervened upon quickly. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) affects many individuals without warning and even in those we identify at high risk of this happening we aren't able to effectively help. We are excited by a wide range of new technology that has greatly increased the chance of living with life-threatening heart disease, or identifying those at risk. Within the Libin Cardiovascular Institute at the University of Calgary, heart rhythm scientists are involved in these exciting discoveries. The theme of this Cafe Scientifique is new technology to identify and treat subjects at risk SCD. We will explore basic fundamental science that is exploring designer drugs to treat life-threatening heart rhythm irregularities. The human genetic code allows us to identify defects in cellular proteins that control the movement of ions in and out of cells. Abnormalities in these systems can lead to premature death. Other scientists study the genetic code in animal models and patients. Finally, these discoveries are translated to humans at risk with the use of novel monitoring equipment or cardiac defibrillators. Clinical trials originating from the University of Calgary are aiming to redefine how we treat these individuals. Our target audience will be subjects interested in technology and medicine who may have been touched by Sudden Cardiac Death in their friends or family. We will reach out to the general community through our established communication pathways within the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.