Editorial: The Role of Calcium Handling in Heart Failure and Heart Failure Associated Arrhythmias

Editorial on the Research Topic The Role of Calcium Handling in Heart Failure and Heart Failure Associated Arrhythmias Over 20 years ago Heart Failure (HF) was described as an epidemic (Braunwald, 1997) and although we have made substantial progress in HF research and treatment since then, the prevalence of HF continues to rise. The estimated 6.5 million American adults over the age of 20 with HF between 2011 and 2014 (Benjamin Emelia et al., 2018) calls for a deeper understanding of mechanisms involved in this potentially life threatening syndrome. Ever since Sydney Ringer’s seminal work in the late 1800’s proving the importance of Ca2+ in contractility (Miller, 2004), we have continued to be astounded by this multifaceted performer of cardiac function. In addition to sustaining the normal heartbeat, once dysregulated, Ca2+ handling and its associated proteins and pathways may turn into major driving factors toward mechanical and electrical dysfunction in HF. Over recent years substantial progress has been made in understanding the links between Ca2+ handling and HF, including the arrhythmogenic predisposition. For these reasons the present Research Topic focuses on the interactions of Ca2+ with multiple players that can influence HF progression and arrhythmia liability. It contains both review articles as well as original research in this area which we believe could contribute to our understanding of HF and potential therapeutic targets.