Research Area: Heart Rhythms or Arrhythmia/Ion Channels

Return to Research Areas page

Sudden death from abnormal heart rhythms is a major problem in the United States and worldwide.

The UW Cardiovascular Research Center is home to an important group of basic scientists and physician-researchers who study ion channels, or the proteins in cell membranes that regulate the electrical activity of heart cells. The aim of these studies is to understand the mechanisms of abnormal cardiac rhythms and to develop therapeutic interventions for patients experiencing abnormal heart rhythms caused by a dysfunction of calcium, sodium or potassium channels.

Studies are conducted to examine the behavior of heart channels in response to a variety of drugs and in response to specific diseases of the heart such as heart failure and heart attacks. Work by these investigators has significantly advanced our knowledge of ion channel function, and has provided insights into mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to life-threatening arrhythmias such as Long QT Syndrome.

Ion channel research is an important focus of the Center’s Training Program in Translational Cardiovascular Science; it is one of two foci of training along with heart failure. Currently, six faculty members whose primary research focus is in ion channel research serve as trainers in this important program. Ion channel research is also the basis of an important monthly journal club in which faculty, scientists and trainees discuss recent scientific research.

UW Cardiovascular Research Center members involved in ion channel research at the UW Cardiovascular Research Center include: