Center for Arrhythmia Research

At the Center for Arrhythmia Research, scientists and physicians from a variety of disciplines work together to develop new understanding, methods of diagnosis and treatments for cardiovascular diseases with the primary goal of preventing cardiac death. Our scientists have made major advances in the investigation of fundamental molecular, cellular and tissue mechanisms of complex life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Our Mission

  • Promote and stimulate multi-disciplinary research in the cardiovascular field, with the overall goal of developing new and effective approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels and the prevention of premature death.
  • Foster the education and training of medical, graduate, and postdoctoral students in the cardiovascular field.
  • Encourage interdepartmental cooperation among investigators engaged in research related to the cardiovascular system.
  • Manage core facilities supporting multi-disciplinary research.

Our Research

Our research centers around understanding the causes of cardiovascular disease at the molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological levels. Our research objectives are to:

  • Understand how cells in the heart function and communicate with each other.
  • Understand mechanisms of ventricular fibrillation, the major cause of sudden death.
  • Understand mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, the major cause of stroke.
  • Study mechanisms of heart failure and diseases of blood vessels.
  • Develop new treatments for arrhythmias and prevention of sudden death.
  • Develop genetic and stem cells models of human heart diseases.
  • Develop new technologies and methods for cardiovascular investigations and therapies.

Our Education Initiatives

The Center for Arrhythmia Research offers multi-disciplinary training and support programs for graduate students, medical students, postdoctoral students, and clinical scientists.

Students come from more than 20 countries. Many are physicians-in-training ­cardiology fellows who have completed medical school, residency, and intend to practice cardiology but want to learn basic cardiac electrophysiology.

Other trainees include graduate students pursuing PhDs and scientists with PhDs seeking postdoctoral education. Our faculty members teach laboratory research, computational research, and elective courses in cardiovascular science. Students meet regularly to discuss research papers with Center for Arrhythmia Research faculty and present their work at scientific meetings. Graduates of the Center for Arrhythmia Research go on to highly coveted positions in academics and industry.

Our Team

Faculty

Research Fellows

  • Carlos Cortes, PhD

Support Staff

Contact Us

Center for Arrhythmia Research
North Campus Research Complex
University of Michigan
2nd floor, Buildings 20 and 26
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800
(734) 998-7500