Recognizing Diversity of Cells, Systems, and Individuals to Advance Arrhythmia Therapy

Disorders of heart rhythm are leading causes of sudden death and stroke. Progress in eluci­dating molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms has promoted new concepts that have guided the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. However, cardiac arrhythmias remain major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Our current understanding of mechanisms respon­si­ble for heart rhythm disorders has emerged from decades of investigation into the normal electro­physiology of the heart, the molecular physiology of cardiac ion channels, fundamental cellular, tissue, and organ-level events asso­ciated with cardiac arrhythmias, and the underlying genetic contributors. Across all of these scales, computational approaches have allowed for deeper mechanistic insight, quantitative assessment, and novel predictive tools. From its inception in 2003, the Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms GRC has sought to integrate knowledge across these scales to better understand and treat cardiac rhythm disorders.

The theme of the 2025 GRC on Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms is: The Heterogeneous Heart: Recognizing Diversity of Cells, Systems & Individuals to Advance Arrhythmia Therapy. This meeting will emphasize cellular, systems-level, and inter-individual diversity to provide novel, multi-scale insight into arrhythmia biology and pathogenic mechanisms. Sessions will highlight roles of non-myocytes (including immune cells and adipocytes), advances in precision medicine, and a variety of topics that impact diverse populations (including sex disparities, aging, and co-morbidities that often dispro­por­tionally impact underserved populations). The program will have multi-scale integration, with talks that span from molecular/cellular mechanisms up to in vivo/clinical levels. Novel methodological advancements and therapeutic approaches will be highlighted throughout.

Approximately 50 speakers/discussion leaders will present cutting-edge work that is mostly unpublished. The program includes current and emerging thought leaders in arrhythmia biology, investigators from complementary scientific disciplines, and many early stage investigators with promising careers. Poster sessions will provide additional opportunities for collegial interactions.