Atrial electrical remodeling due to chronic stretch: Defining the substrate for atrial fibrillation [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Jonathan Kalman (Principal investigator)

Brief description Background: Cardiac failure is a common heart disorder in which the pumping function of the heart is significantly weakened. Mitral regurgitation is a common condition where there is a leakage of blood from the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) back into the left atrium (upper heart chamber) during normal cardiac contraction. This puts a strain on the heart and may cause heart failure. Atrial septal defect is a common form of congenital heart disease which may not be diagnosed until adulthood. There are several forms but the basic problem is leakage of blood from the left atrium into the right atrium .This also puts a strain on the heart and can cause heart failure. All 3 conditions are associated with a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This abnormal fast irregular cardiac rhythm makes the pumping of the heart inefficient. People with AF may feel short of breath, tired, or develop palpitations. AF is an important cause of stroke and premature death and is the most common heart rhythm disturbance occurring in upto 10% of the over 70 age group. Even after repair of the leaky valve or atrial septal defect there is still a high risk of developing this rhythm. Purpose of the study: This study will try to understand why patients with these conditions are at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, and why this risk might persist after surgical correction when this is possible (mitral regurgitation and atrial septal defect). The study will utilise sophisticated new mapping techniques to gain original insights into the mechanism of this very common and as yet poorly understood heart rhythm disturbance. The study has the potential to determine the cause of atrial fibrillation in these patient groups and as such represent a quantum advance in our understanding of he mechanism of atrial fibrillation. It would be expected to form a foundation on which development of curative and preventative approaches may be based.

Funding Amount $AUD 428,250.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant