Division Heart
Division Heart (leader: Prof. Joost Lumens) comprises two programmes – ‘Structural heart failure’ and ‘Complex arrhythmias’ – which together focus on the topic of ‘electrical heart failure’ by combining translational expertise in the field of complex arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death) and (idiopathic) heart failure in the setting of the thick and thin heart. The term electrical heart failure represents a bidirectional interaction, whereby arrhythmias or conduction disturbances are promoted by structural heart disease and, in turn, themselves promote or enhance heart failure. Innovative translational cell-to-bedside knowledge on arrhythmia and heart failure mechanisms have led to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic concepts and strategies.
These provide a firm stepping stone for improved patient management, and above all for early extensive and comprehensive diagnosis both in patients and other species. Computational modelling, genetics including complex genetics, and advanced imaging provide essential research infrastructure in the matrix. Research in Division Heart contributes to the circle of innovation in which basic research at CARIM incorporating the latest technological advances boosts translational research within the HVC, supporting high-level academic health care. Our mission is to improve individuals’ lives by reducing the burden of paroxysmal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, premature heart failure and their complex bidirectional interaction.
