Brugada syndrome is a life-threatening disorder characterized by sudden death associated with the incomplete right bundle-branch block, ST-segment elevation, and anterior precordial leads.

It is a rare but serious condition. The normal rhythm of the heart is affected making it beat either too fast or in an irregular way.

Brugada syndrome is the most common cause of sudden heart-related death in young and healthy people.

In most people, Brugada syndrome remains undiagnosed as the condition most often doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms.

Abnormal ECG patterns are the most common sign of Brugada syndrome. The other sign and symptoms are:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeats
• Gasping at night
• Labored breathing
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Seizures

Fever can exacerbate the clinical manifestations and so can dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and cocaine use.

The symptoms of Brugada syndrome are similar to other heart rhythm problems. It is important to consult a doctor to know whether it is Brugada syndrome or any other heart rhythm problem which is causing the symptoms.

Brugada syndrome is known to run in families. If a family member has it there are chances of other members to be at an increased risk of it. This is known as inherited Brugada syndrome.

Brugada syndrome is associated with several gene mutations, with SCN5A being the most common. It is estimated that 15-30 percent of people suffering from Brugada syndrome have a mutation in this gene ^(1).

Some people even though are not having this gene mutation are associated with this condition. Other possibilities include:

• Cocaine use
• High levels of calcium in the blood
• Medicines which treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and depression
• High and low potassium levels

These possibilities can also trigger symptoms in those having inherited Brugada syndrome.

There are a few risk factors which can lead to Brugada syndrome:

• Family history: As the mutation causing Brugada syndrome can be inherited, there are chances of you suffering from the condition if anyone in the family has it.
• Sex: The condition is 8-10 times more common in men than in women ⁽²⁾.
• Race: This syndrome occurs more frequently in people of Asian ancestry.

There is no treatment for Brugada syndrome but there are ways to avoid its life-threatening effects.

It is a small medical device that is placed under the skin on the chest wall. It senses the irregular heartbeat and sends electric shock to return the heartbeat to normal.

Due to the complications, these devices are implanted on high-risk individuals such as those with a serious problem with heart rhythm, fainting, or those with previous cardiac arrest.

Quinine is a drug that can help prevent dangerous heart rhythms. It is given to the people who cannot receive an implant or in those with an implanted defibrillator.

Radiofrequency is a new treatment which involves destroying the areas believed to be causing abnormal heart rhythms using electric current.

As it is an emerging treatment the risk of recurrence is still being determined.

There are certain factors that can trigger the symptoms of Brugada syndrome. Avoiding them can help avoid the symptoms.

Fever can be brought down using over-the-counter medicines

If sick with vomiting and fever, stay hydrated and replace the electrolytes

Avoid medications or drugs that trigger the symptoms

If suffering from irregular heart rhythms or heart palpitations, then it is best to consult a doctor. It might be an indication of either Brugada syndrome or any other heart condition. Also, if having a family history of Brugada syndrome do not miss informing your doctor the same.

Brugada syndrome can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart palpitations, fainting, and even death. Although there is no cure, the dangerous symptoms can be prevented.

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