The Cardiomyopathy & Arrhythmia research themes focus on impaired diastolic function with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF), inherited and congenital cardiomyopathies, and cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.

Research is directed at understanding genotype–phenotype relationships and the molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiac disease, including emerging insights into gene regulation and age-related processes.

Research on Heart Failure & Arrhythmias at both locations of Amsterdam UMC is highly complementary and synergistic. The program addresses major clinical challenges including HFpEF, inherited and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, ventricular arrhythmias associated with sudden cardiac death, and atrial fibrillation, organized within four interconnected themes.

Core expertise includes cardiomyocyte and sarcomere biology, intercellular communication, clinical and experimental electrophysiology, cardiogenetics, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, human cardiac tissue slices, bioinformatics, and advanced experimental models.

Aim

We aim to further strengthen the quality and impact of our research and training activities, and to position ourselves as a leading European center for heart failure and arrhythmia research.

We promote close collaboration between participating departments and coordinate activities in training, recruitment, and infrastructure. By integrating clinical and experimental expertise, we support innovation across disciplines.

We will expand capabilities in bioinformatics, imaging, human iPSC-based models, and engineered cardiac tissue. Continued integration of molecular mechanisms, including gene regulation, with patient-based research is essential to maintain our position in the cardiovascular field.

Program Leaders

Young ACS

Research themes

Diastolic heart failure

More than 50% of heart failure patients have impaired diastolic function with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF), a major and growing clinical challenge.

Our research focuses on mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction by combining clinical studies with investigations in human cardiac tissue and cellular systems. Key areas include cardiomyocyte dysfunction, myocardial stiffness, and age-related molecular changes.

These studies are complemented by experimental models, including animal models, co-culture systems and human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, to explore disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Cardiomyopathies

We study inherited and congenital cardiomyopathies through close collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists.

Research integrates clinical imaging and genetics with mechanistic studies in human cardiac tissue, cellular systems, and animal models. Focus areas include sarcomere dysfunction, disease modifiers, and gene regulatory mechanisms.

Established model systems, including isolated cardiomyocytes, mouse models, and Drosophila, support mechanistic studies and drug screening. Patient cohorts and biobanks provide access to clinical data and samples.

Arrhythmias

This theme focuses on genetic risk factors and mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Research includes genotype–phenotype studies in cardiomyopathies and primary arrhythmia syndromes, as well as ischemic heart disease. Efforts aim to identify disease mechanisms and novel targets for diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapy.

Functional studies in experimental models, including human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, provide insight into electrophysiological, metabolic, and molecular pathways.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common age-related arrhythmia and remains difficult to treat due to progressive remodeling.

Research focuses on mechanisms of atrial remodeling and restoration of cardiomyocyte function, including processes such as protein homeostasis and cellular stress responses.

Experimental findings are complemented by clinical research on ablation strategies, cardiac devices, pharmacological therapies, and neurological outcomes, forming an integrated translational research line.

Program members