Developing a therapy for dangerous heart rhythms after heart attacks
Translating post-infarct ventricular tachycardia mechanisms into a therapy
This study is looking at how heart tissue heals after a heart attack and how that healing can sometimes lead to dangerous heart rhythms, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent these rhythms and help patients feel safer and healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11002681 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind dangerous heart rhythms, known as ventricular tachycardia, that can occur after a heart attack. It focuses on understanding how the healing process of heart tissue creates conditions that lead to these arrhythmias. By using advanced gene transfer techniques, the researchers aim to modify the heart's electrical properties to prevent these life-threatening rhythms. Patients may benefit from innovative therapies that target the underlying causes of their arrhythmias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk for ventricular tachycardia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a heart attack or do not have a history of ventricular arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms in patients who have suffered a heart attack.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using gene transfer techniques to modify heart rhythms, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donahue, J Kevin — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Donahue, J Kevin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.