Understanding how nerve signals affect heart rhythm problems after heart attacks
Official title: Cellular Basis for Autonomic Regulation of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10904663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain nerve signals affect heart cells after a heart attack, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,466 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL164311-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of heart disease or those who have not experienced a myocardial infarction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind sudden cardiac death (SCD), which is often triggered by dangerous heart rhythm disturbances following a heart attack. The study focuses on how different nerve signals, particularly those from the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, influence heart cells in the area surrounding damaged heart tissue. By examining how these signals affect the electrical activity of heart cells, researchers aim to uncover new ways to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias. The approach includes analyzing the response of heart cells to neurotransmitters and co-transmitters that play a role in heart function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients who have suffered heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting autonomic regulation can reduce arrhythmias, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harvey, Robert D — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Harvey, Robert D
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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.