Brugada Syndrome
Brugada Syndrome is a rare cardiac condition that affects less than 0.02% of the population in the West.
Brugada Syndrome is an inherited condition, so once a family member is diagnosed, it is very important that the rest of your family be tested for the syndrome.
Download our new Brugada Syndrome fact sheet that helps explain your condition to family, friends, and your community!
Download Brugada Syndrome Fact Sheet
About
Brugada Syndrome results in a disturbance of the heart’s electrical system. Like Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome is often due to an abnormality in a cardiac ion channel (microscopic pores in the heart cells).
Brugada Syndrome affects males more than females. It has an average age of onset of 40 years, although it’s been diagnosed in newborns and young children, and has been identified as a rare cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Symptoms
Dizziness or Fainting
Gasping, labored breathing, particularly at night
Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
The symptoms of Brugada Syndrome are often confused with the common faint or a seizure disorder. Symptoms of Brugada Syndrome include fainting (syncope) and sudden cardiac arrest due to a fast and unstable rhythm (arrhythmia) in the ventricles of the heart that doesn’t allow the heart to pump adequately. If the unstable rhythm stops by itself, then the symptom is fainting. If it doesn’t stop, then a cardiac arrest or sudden death can occur.
Other symptoms include seizures, unexplained nighttime urination, or strange breathing during sleep. Symptoms occur more commonly with a fever.
The arrhythmia, as well as sudden death, commonly occurs during sleep. Many of those who have Brugada Syndrome don’t have symptoms.
Diagnosis
Doctors use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to test for Brugada Syndrome. The ECG can be normal at times, and abnormal at other times. If a Brugada ECG pattern is not detected in a standard ECG, it can sometimes be captured by moving some of the leads. Three ECGs are then taken in a row, each time moving the leads to a specific place. This three serial ECG is known as the Brugada high-lead ECG.
Fever, heat exhaustion, and certain medications can bring out these ECG changes.
Doctors may also use genetic testing to make a diagnosis.
Treatment
Prevention
- Avoid drugs on the brugadadrugs.org list
- Keep well hydrated, especially if vomiting and diarrhea
- Reduce fever and keep it down; avoid heat exhaustion
- Take an omega-3 fish oil supplement
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Strictly avoid marijuana and cocaine
Community
How SADS and Hopkins Collaborate to Help ARVC Families
We often hear from those with ARVC wondering how both organizations can help support their family, and which resources each organization offers. Here are some answers to your questions.
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Resources
