The Utah Multidisciplinary Arrhythmia Consortium (UMAC) is a joint project conducted at USU and the University of Utah -- and is currently one of VDID's primary focuses. The study focuses on Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia (arrhythmia: an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm). The disease has been known to lead to palpitations, fainting, chest pain, congestive heart failure and/or stroke. This research is of growing importance in an aging population where approximately 10% of those over the age of 80 show evidence of AF.

ANNUAL COST OF AF IN U.S.  -- $14.65 BILLION

For the project, collaborators are developing animal models of AF to study structural changes, as well as changes in the electrical properties, of the cells and tissues surrounding the progression of the disease. Collaboration between USU and the U of U capitalizes on each university’s capabilities, ensuring high-quality animal models, spacious facilities and expertise in the field of cardiology and cardiac imaging.