Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders

Combatting heart rhythm disorders

The Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD) is a dynamic and dedicated research organisation committed to excellence in cardiac electrophysiology.

Our mission is to advance the understanding and management of heart rhythm disorders with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of patients with Heart Rhythm Disorders in the community.

Our research programs, with the goal of advancing the understanding and management of Heart Rhythm Disorders, focus on the spectrum of heart rhythm disorders and involve a multidisciplinary team of physicians, bioengineers, research scientists and computational modellers. This allows us to establish an integrated approach to our research at the molecular, cellular, whole heart and patient level.

CHRD provides a forum for translational research into heart rhythm disorders. We have a large clinical research program as well as an established experimental, computer simulation and expansive animal research programs in the area of arrhythmogenesis.

We conduct cutting edge research encompassing:

Understanding why cardiac arrhythmias occur and working on better ways to treat them via scientific and clinical pathways
Exploring the relationship between atrial fibrillation, blood clotting and stroke
Assessing the burden of cardiac arrhythmia in the community and the health system
Understanding the patient experience and providing targeted education to improve quality of life.

Explore our research

The Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD) is at the forefront of innovative research on heart disease, including atrial fibrillation, lifestyle management, and collaborative clinical trials with global impact.

Engage with us

Participate in studies, join PhD programs, support research, or collaborate with us to advance heart rhythm disorder knowledge.

Explore the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders

Research capabilities Research capabilities
Research impact Research impact
Our people Our people
Our partners Our partners

The Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD) at Adelaide University is a dynamic research organisation dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of heart rhythm disorders. Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians, bioengineers, research scientists, and computational modellers, enabling an integrated approach to research at molecular, cellular, whole heart, and patient levels.

Our research programs encompass a broad spectrum of heart rhythm disorders, with a particular focus on atrial fibrillation and investigate the mechanisms underlying these conditions and develop innovative treatment strategies; encompassing a wide spectrum of studies, from basic science to clinical applications, aimed at improving patient care and outcomes.

Key research areas

Mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias

Investigating the underlying causes of heart rhythm disorders to develop targeted therapies.

Atrial fibrillation (AF)

Focusing on the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of AF, a common heart rhythm disorder.

Exercise and arrhythmias

Studying the impact of physical activity on arrhythmias and heart failure and developing exercise-based interventions.

Patient-centered care

Exploring models of care delivery, including integrated care approaches and the use of smart technology, to improve outcomes for patients with heart rhythm disorders.

CHRD offers postgraduate research opportunities through its PhD program, providing students with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in cardiovascular disease.

Our research has significantly contributed to the understanding and management of heart rhythm disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Our innovative approaches have led to improved patient care and outcomes both in Australia and internationally.

A key area of impact is our focus on lifestyle and risk factor management in AF patients. By identifying modifiable risk factors and implementing targeted interventions, we have enhanced patient quality of life and reduced the burden of AF-related complications.

Our collaborative research efforts have resulted in numerous clinical trials and studies that inform best practices in the management of heart rhythm disorders. These studies have provided valuable insights into the efficacy of various treatment modalities and have influenced clinical guidelines and healthcare policies.

Through our postgraduate programs, we have trained the next generation of researchers and clinicians, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to continue advancing the field. Our alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to cardiovascular research and patient care worldwide.

Industry partnerships have also played a crucial role in translating our research into practical applications. Collaborations with companies like Medtronic have facilitated the development and implementation of new technologies, such as the percutaneous injectable loop recorder, which improves the detection and management of AF.

The Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD) research has led to significant advancements in the understanding and management of heart rhythm disorders, with a lasting impact on patient care and clinical practice.

Professor Prash Sanders

Director Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Email: prash.sanders@adelaide.edu.au

Research leaders

Associate Professor Glenn Young
Associate Professor Kurt Roberts-Thomson
Associate Professor Adrian Elliott — Senior Researcher / Research Leader
Dr Melissa Middeldorp — Senior Researcher / Research Leader
Dr Jonathan Ariyaratman — Senior Researcher / Research Leader
Dr Alexis Puvrez — Senior Researcher / Research Leader

The Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD) at Adelaide University collaborates with several key partners to enhance our research and clinical initiatives.

We run a variety of clinical trials and studies that collaborate with clinicians and researchers across private and public organisations, spanning interdisciplinary health fields including exercise physiologists, public health practitioners, nurses, clinical and base scientists, and many more.

Our dedicated Exercise and Integrative Physiology Lab allows us to integrate with students, researchers and patients alike to investigate the intersections between arrhythmias, heart failure and sports cardiology through exercise interventions.

We have a longstanding partnership with Medtronic, a leading technology company within the healthcare sector. This collaboration has facilitated innovative research in atrial fibrillation (AF), including the first-in-human implant of a percutaneous injectable loop recorder in 2013. Such partnerships enable us to translate laboratory findings into clinical applications, improving patient outcomes.

These partnerships and collaborations are instrumental in advancing our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of patients with heart rhythm disorders through innovative research and collaborative efforts.

Contact us

Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders

Location
Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Adelaide University
Royal Adelaide Hospital, Cardiology 4G751-769, Port Road, Adelaide SA 5000

Email: heart.rhythm@adelaide.edu.au