Grant: Operating Grant

The heart normally beats regularly at a rate that is appropriate for the body's needs. This function is carefully regulated by a highly sophisticated cardiac electrical system that controls the timing and beating rate of cardiac contraction. Sometimes the system goes wrong and the normal rhythmicity of the heart becomes irregular and/or too fast. One condition in which this occurs is called atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated "AF". AF affects about 25% of the population in the course of their lives, and can lead to serious complications including cardiac weakening and strokes from clots formed in the heart. Studies suggest that, at least in some individuals, AF increases the chances of dying. The purpose of this research program is to discover the causes of AF, in particular by examining highly-specialized channels in cardiac membranes that control electrical functioning. Animal models and isolated cell systems will be used to study the basis, nature and significance of the channel changes occurring with and causing AF. This information will then be used in attempts to develop new safer and more effective treatments for AF.