Molecular Genetics of Cardiac Electrophysiology

The field of molecular genetics has rapidly expanded and is becoming increasingly important in the area of cardiac electrophysiology. The genetic basis of cardiac conduction disturbances and arrhythmogenesis is now recognized as a critical factor in disease pathology. Inherited structural and electrical heart diseases are being elucidated using molecular biological approaches, with differentiation of gene-specific diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutics. Unique genetically-engineered animal models of hereditary arrhythmias and heart disease are being developed and utilized for detailed characterization of the cardiac conduction system. The aim of this book is to provide the adult and pediatric cardiologist, electrophysiologist, geneticist, internist, pediatrician, and trainee with a comprehensive review and update of the molecular genetics of cardiac electrophysiology.