Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Common threads in atrial fibrillation and heart failure
Andrew A Grace1, Sanjiv M Narayan
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK; Papworth Hospital, Cambridge CB23 3RE, UK.
Heart Failure Clinics
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation are rising, with current treatments insufficient. A systems biology approach using large datasets and advanced sequencing can improve understanding and develop new therapies for cardiac arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Systems Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation due to multimorbidity and better acute cardiac care.
- Current antiarrhythmic drug therapies for cardiac arrhythmias are inadequate.
- Need for innovative approaches to manage complex cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a systems biology strategy for advancing the understanding of cardiac arrhythmias.
- To highlight the potential of integrating diverse data types for therapeutic development.
- To address the limitations of current treatment options for heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Accumulation of extensive clinical datasets.
- Application of next-generation sequencing technologies.
- Integration of experimental and computational modeling.
Main Results:
- The proposed approach facilitates a deeper comprehension of cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms.
- It enables the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
- It supports the development of personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- A systems biology approach is crucial for immediate progress in understanding cardiac arrhythmias.
- Integrating clinical data, genomics, and modeling will drive the development of effective therapies.
- This strategy promises to improve patient outcomes for heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...