Improving treatments for heart rhythm disorders
Official title: Toward a Mechanism-Based Approach to Treating Cardiac Arrhythmia
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11031410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how irregular heartbeats happen and aims to find better treatments for people with these heart issues, so they can feel safer and healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $918,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL144980-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with diagnosed cardiac arrhythmias or those at high risk for sudden cardiac death.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with arrhythmias that are not responsive to current treatment methods or those with non-cardiac related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can lead to sudden cardiac death. By investigating molecular and cellular processes, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing anti-arrhythmic medications and discover new treatment options. The approach includes both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications, ultimately seeking to improve patient care for those affected by these serious heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with cardiac arrhythmias, potentially reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cardiac arrhythmias, but this approach aims to fill a critical gap in developing new therapies, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knollmann, Bjorn C — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Knollmann, Bjorn C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision imaging of heart rhythms to map arrhythmias without surgery
A new 3D ultrasound method could noninvasively map how abnormal heart rhythms start and travel, helping doctors plan safer treatments for people with arrhythmias.
-
New roles for a heart protein in preventing dangerous rhythms
A heart study will explore how a specific protein regulator (PP2A) affects ion channels that control heartbeat, with the goal of reducing dangerous arrhythmias.
-
Understanding how small potassium channels affect heart rhythm and disease
Aims to understand how tiny calcium-activated potassium channels influence heart rhythm and potentially lead to new treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
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3D ultrasound mapping to locate sources of abnormal heart rhythms
This project uses a fast, radiation-free 3D ultrasound method to find where irregular heartbeats start in adults with arrhythmias.
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Understanding a New Way to Control Heart Rhythm Problems
This work explores how a specific protein in the heart helps regulate electrical signals, aiming to find new ways to prevent dangerous heart rhythm issues.
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Exploring the mechanisms behind heart rhythm disorders
This conference is all about helping doctors and researchers understand what causes irregular heartbeats, so they can find better ways to diagnose and treat these issues for people at risk of serious health problems like strokes or sudden heart failure.
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.