Master’s trainee investigating potential new therapy for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia affecting between 350,000 to 400,000 Canadians. AF can be quite debilitating, causing symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness. It also increases the risk of sudden cardiac death and stroke.

Although it’s the most common arrhythmia, there are limited treatment options for patients with AF and the mechanisms behind the disease aren’t well understood.

Elise Rougier, a master’s student in the University of Calgary’s Libin Cardiovascular Institute under the supervision of Professor Dr. Robert Rose, PhD, is investigating a potential new therapy for the condition that could have life-altering impact.

Her work investigating mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to treat AF in individuals with hypertensive heart disease is getting noticed. She recently received a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Graduate Student Scholarship to support her studies.

“I am honoured and thankful to receive this scholarship,” says Rougier of her recent success. “I am grateful for Dr. Rose’s support and the opportunity to work in this lab.”

Natriuretic peptides are naturally produced hormones found within the body that help regulate blood pressure and heart function, and they might be useful in treating AF.

Scientists hypothesize that C Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) may play a role in protecting the heart from developing scar tissue, which is associated with reduced heart function and can lead to heart failure. Rougier’s master’s project is investigating whether CNP can be used to prevent AF in rodent models with hypertension and to determine the mechanisms for these effects.

“AF is very common and it’s prevalence is growing,” says Rougier. “It’s also uncomfortable and can lead to serious, and even fatal, side effects. Finding a treatment for this condition would be life changing for individuals who are suffering.”

Rougier has always been interested in medicine. She completed her undergrad degree in Life Sciences at Queen’s University, in Kingston Ontario. The experience intensified her desire to become a clinician-scientist, a career that would combine her desire to help others and her love of science.

“I have always wanted to help others,” says Rougier. “I am interested in having the one-on-one interaction with patients and applying my knowledge of science to answer questions that will really help people and make a difference in their lives.”

Rose says Rougier’s outstanding academic track record and the importance of her work is the reason behind her success.

“Elise is a committed and engaged student who is motivated to learn and develop her research project in order to have a positive impact on patients affected by AF,” says Rose. “AF remains a major clinical challenge affecting millions globally and numbers are increasing. Part of the challenge with AF is an incomplete understanding of how it develops in different conditions, and Elise’s work will help address these issues.”

Watch this video of Elise explaining her work.