David Van Wagoner Email & Phone Number

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a critical public health problem, leading to increased risk of stroke, heart failure and death. By age 40, individuals have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of developing AF. Current interventional therapies for treating AF are highly invasive (ablation, surgery). Currently available pharmacologic agents are only marginally effective.My research program focuses on identifying the fundamental mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF). In recent and ongoing studies we have examined the role of oxidative stress in the electrophysiological remodeling associated with AF, the mechanisms underlying postoperative AF and the relationship between the systemic inflammatory response and persistence of AF. We are studying the impact of dietary lipids as modulators of these pathways, and evaluating the impact of dietary manipulation as a therapeutic strategy. We are evaluating the genetic loci associated with AF risk, and creating engineered heart tissues using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into atrial myocytes. We hope to bridge the gap between mechanism and treatment, leading to more logical and effective therapies for AF.Specialties: Biomedical researcher, translational medicine, cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms, cardiovascular pharmacology, atrial fibrillation genetics, mechanisms and treatment