Project Title

Genetic architecture of ventricular fibrillation during first acute myocardial infarction

Background

The pathophysiology of ventricular fibrillation (VF) during acute ischemia remains poorly understood which contributes to the current lack of risk stratification and highly effective treatments in the general population. Despite a positive family history of sudden cardiac death is a strong independent risk factor of VF susceptibility, the genetic architecture in the general population remains largely unknown.

Aim

This research project focuses on VF during first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and addresses the current gap of knowledge concerning the genetics of VF. We hypothesize that the genetic basis of VF in the setting of an AMI involves interplay of acquired risk factors and common genetic variation in a complex genetic model of disease risk. Using meta-analysis of case-control genome-wide association studies and polygenetic risk scores based on atrial fibrillation and ECG traits, our objective is to identify common genetic variants associated with VF.

Methods

By providing insight into the genetic underpinnings of VF, this project will provide insight into the pathogenesis of VF. This research project will thereby have the possibility of producing ground-breaking results which may be to the benefit of the thousands of patients dying suddenly from AMI each year.