Grant: Operating Grant

Every year, about 30,000 Canadians die suddenly. Very rapid heart rhythms are a major cause of sudden cardiac death. Tiny membrane channels control cardiac electrical function and heart rhythm. When these channels don't function right, they cause very rapid abnormal rhythms. Rapid abnormal rhythms impair heart function and cause sudden death. Both heart disease and rhythm problems can in turn impair channel working. This study focuses on how channels are made up and how heart disease and rhythm problems affect channel make-up. We have created new models of heart function using single heart cells. These models respond like the intact heart to disease conditions. We will use these models to understand how disease conditions affect channel make-up. We will then learn how these changes in make-up can lead to serious heart rhythm problems. This knowledge will allow us to design new treatments to prevent sudden death in man.