The Molecular Basis of Cardiac Arrhythmias in the Elderly.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The age-associated changes at the molecular Level that may underpin the increased frequency of atrial arrhythmias in the elderly.
IRAS ID
197493
Contact name
Sandra A Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Approximately 20% of the population are over 65 years of age, and by 2050 this is predicted to increase to over a quarter in the United Kingdom. Age is considered the greatest risk factor for irregular heart rhythm referred to as atrial arrhythmias and specifically atrial fibrillation occurs at a high incidence within the elderly population. In advanced age this is particularly evident within the right upper chamber of the heart (right atrium) with an age-associated increase in atrial fibrillation. Therefore, this study will be inclusive to anyone over 18 years of age (to encapsulate the full age range) of those undergoing routine cardiac surgery, where right atrial appendage tissue is removed as part of the surgical process while connecting the heart to the heart and lung machine (Cardiopulmonary Bypass) and usually discarded. Patient’s requiring atrial valve repair or replacement will have part of their right atrial appendage removed to access the faulty valve and this tissue is usually discarded. Patient’s requiring atrial valve repair or replacement will have some right atrial tissue removed to access the faulty valve and discarded.
This study will explore the comparative expressional changes that take place within the right atrial tissue with increased age that may be responsible for changes in electrical activation and conduction, and their underlying signaling mechanism. Our data will provide a clearer understanding of atrial arrhythmias in the elderly at a molecular level, thus potentially therapies to prevent AF or limit those arrhythmias experienced in elderly patients, increasing their quality of life and reducing the possible complications.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0695
Date of REC Opinion
7 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion