Brugada Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Brugada syndrome is a rare heart condition that affects the heart’s rhythm. This inherited disorder increases the risk of dangerous heart rhythms that start in the lower heart chambers. Though uncommon, Brugada syndrome can be life-threatening if left untreated.
People with this condition need careful management to prevent complications.
Treatment approaches include reducing fevers quickly and avoiding certain medications that could trigger irregular heart rhythms. For high-risk patients, doctors may recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This device monitors heart rhythm and delivers electric shocks when dangerous patterns are detected.
Signs to Watch For
Brugada syndrome often has no noticeable symptoms. Many people who have it are unaware of their condition.
If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting episodes
- Nighttime breathing difficulties (gasping or labored breathing)
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats
- Very rapid, chaotic heartbeat
- Seizures
A key indicator of Brugada syndrome is an abnormal pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This test measures the heart’s electrical activity and can reveal the condition even when no symptoms are present.
When to See a Doctor
Brugada syndrome has symptoms that look like other heart rhythm problems. It’s important to get medical help to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
Seek emergency medical care if:
- You faint or pass out suddenly
- You think your symptoms might be heart-related
Consider getting tested if:
- A close family member (parent, sibling, or child) has been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome
- You have unexplained fainting episodes
Don’t ignore warning signs like fainting or heart palpitations. A healthcare provider can determine if Brugada syndrome or another condition is affecting your heart rhythm. Early diagnosis helps ensure you get proper treatment.
Causes
Brugada syndrome happens when there’s a problem with the heart’s electrical system. The heart beats when electrical signals travel through special cells. In this condition, changes to the channels that control these signals make the heart beat too quickly.
This rapid heartbeat is called ventricular fibrillation. When this happens, the heart can’t pump blood properly. A brief irregular rhythm might cause someone to faint. If the irregular beat continues, it can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Several factors may trigger Brugada syndrome:
- Structural heart problems that may be difficult to detect with standard tests.
- Chemical imbalances in the electrolytes that help transmit electrical signals through the body.
-
Certain substances including:
- Prescription medications
- Cocaine
These triggers can disrupt the normal electrical pathways in the heart, leading to dangerous rhythm disturbances. Some people inherit this condition from their parents, while others develop it due to these external factors.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of having Brugada syndrome:
- Family History – Since this heart condition often runs in families, having relatives with Brugada syndrome increases your risk.
- Gender Differences – Men receive this diagnosis more often than women.
- Ethnic Background – People of Asian descent have higher rates of Brugada syndrome compared to other racial groups.
- Temperature Elevation – While fever doesn’t cause the condition, it can trigger dangerous symptoms in people who already have Brugada syndrome, with children being especially vulnerable to fever-related complications.
Complications
Brugada syndrome can lead to serious health issues that need immediate medical help. These include:
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: This happens when the heart suddenly stops working. It can occur during sleep. Without quick treatment, it can be fatal. Fast medical care can save lives.
Fainting: When someone with Brugada syndrome faints, they need emergency medical care right away.
Prevention
Genetic testing can help families with Brugada syndrome. If one family member has this condition, others might want to get tested too.
This testing can show who has the condition or who might get it later. It also helps doctors find Brugada syndrome early, even before symptoms appear.
