Understanding how the heart's nervous system affects atrial fibrillation
Official title: Cardiac Autonomic Activation In Atrial Fibrillation Triggers And Substrate
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11032825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nerves and chemicals in your body affect heart rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding better treatments to help manage this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $722,692 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168277-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who may be undergoing catheter ablation procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or those who are not candidates for catheter ablation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. By examining how nerve activity and chemical signals influence heart function, the study aims to develop new treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for patients with AF. The researchers will collect blood samples and record nerve activity during catheter ablation procedures to better understand the mechanisms behind AF. This innovative approach could lead to more effective therapies for managing this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation, potentially reducing their risk of stroke and heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system in heart conditions, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valderrabano, Miguel — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Valderrabano, Miguel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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-
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This NIH grant explores how a heart protein called JNK2 may drive atrial fibrillation, blood clots, and stroke, and whether it could serve as a biomarker and new treatment approach.
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A new tool uses patient data and heart MRI markers to identify heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who might benefit from anticoagulation while minimizing bleeding risk.
-
DECIDE-AF: a shared decision tool in your health portal to help prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation
A patient-friendly tool in your electronic health record helps you and your doctor choose the right way to prevent strokes if you have atrial fibrillation.
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.