Examining how aging affects heart rhythm differences between men and women
Official title: Investigating sex differences in atrial remodeling and arrhythmia risk in aging
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11057951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm issue, and whether there are differences between men and women, to help us understand why older adults, especially women, might be more likely to experience this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $161,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG086695-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who may be experiencing or at risk for atrial fibrillation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any history of atrial fibrillation or related heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging influences the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder, with a focus on potential differences between sexes. It aims to understand the biological changes in the heart's atria that occur as people age and how these changes may lead to increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. By studying both male and female subjects, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the higher incidence and severity of AF in older adults, particularly in women. The approach includes analyzing electrical activity in the heart and how it is affected by aging and sex differences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation in older adults, particularly tailored to address sex-specific needs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding sex differences in heart conditions can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Charlotte — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Smith, Charlotte
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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.