Both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds are the subjects of current research investigating the causes and potential treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in racehorses.

Dawn Lupul, Director of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Horse Racing Alberta, recently interviewed Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst, BVMS, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LAIM, an Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, and Large Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. They discussed Durward-Akhurst's ongoing research with the genetic bases of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in racehorses.

Using genetic testing and heart rate monitors, Durward-Akhurst and her team are gathering valuable data that reveals what happens to horses during exercise and racing. This research is important in helping identify which horses may be at risk and providing data to help safeguard the health of equine athletes.

The full interview is available below.

(With files from Horse Racing Alberta)