Peter Backx has been at the forefront of medical research designed to better understanding the molecular and ionic underpinnings of the heart’s electrical and contraction properties, particularly in relationship to disease. His work has bridged information gaps related to cardiac arrhythmias which is causes ~50% of deaths related the cardiovascular system. These studies have led directly to new concepts and approaches for treating arrhythmias including ongoing clinical trials for ironoverload related cardiomyopathies. More recent studies have focused on the most common cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, wherein Dr. Backx has established involvement of immune cells and inflammation, which is leading to new approaches for treating this condition.