This session will explore the impact of environmental toxicants on cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis and the mechanisms by which environmental exposures influence autonomic function, ion channel activity, and electromechanical stability in cardiac cells.

• To discuss the impact of various environmental toxicants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and airborne pollutants, on cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis.
• To discuss the mechanisms by which environmental exposures, such as particulate pollution and chronic nicotine exposure, influence autonomic function, ion channel activity, and electromechanical stability in cardiac cells.
• To examine clinical perspectives on how environmental exposures contribute to cardiovascular risk factors in congenital heart disease and consider their broader implications for public health disparities.

Brian Kim, MD, MPH
Wayne Cascio, MD

Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Cardiac Electromechanical Function
Presenter(s): Nikki Gillum. Posnack, PhD

Effects of Airborne Toxicants on Autonomic Function and Arrhythmogenesis
Presenter(s): Alex Carll

Effects of Air Pollution on Ion Channel Dysfunction and Arrhythmias
Presenter(s): Holly Shiels

Linking Environmental Pollutants to Cardiovascular Disease
Presenter(s): Brian Kim, MD, MPH

Nikki Posnack:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

Alex Carll:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

Holly Shiels:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

Brian Kim:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

To view all Heart Rhythm 2025 Faculty Disclosures, please click here.

General Concepts
   --   Pathophysiological Basis of Cardiac Arrhythmias and Basic EP
      --   3. Know normal basic cardiac electrophysiology, including the phases and currents that drive the action potential in different cardiac tissues.

General Concepts
   --   Pathophysiological Basis of Cardiac Arrhythmias and Basic EP
      --   4. Know abnormalities of cardiac electrophysiology, including altered ion channel function (inherited and drug-induced) and their effect on action potentials.

General Concepts
   --   Pathophysiological Basis of Cardiac Arrhythmias and Basic EP
      --   6. Know the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias including re-entry, triggered activity, and abnormal automaticity, as well as associated triggers such as ischemia, changes in autonomic tone, and drugs.