Understanding the Connection Between Extra Heartbeats and Atrial Fibrillation
Elucidating Mechanistic Relationships Between Atrial Ectopy, Atrial Remodeling and Atrial Fibrillation
This work explores how extra heartbeats, called premature atrial contractions (PACs), might lead to a more serious irregular heartbeat condition known as atrial fibrillation (AF).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into whether frequent extra heartbeats, especially those coming from certain areas of the heart, can cause the heart's upper chambers to change over time. These changes, like scarring or altered electrical signals, could make it easier for atrial fibrillation to develop and continue. We are also testing if a medication can prevent these changes and if stopping the extra heartbeats allows the heart to recover. Our goal is to uncover the exact steps that link these extra beats to the development of atrial fibrillation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational and does not directly involve patient participation, but it aims to understand conditions relevant to individuals experiencing premature atrial contractions or atrial fibrillation.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing premature atrial contractions or atrial fibrillation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat atrial fibrillation by targeting the effects of premature atrial contractions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observations have shown a link between frequent premature atrial contractions and the development of atrial fibrillation, but this work aims to establish the direct cause-and-effect mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerstenfeld, Edward Paul — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Gerstenfeld, Edward Paul
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.