What is Brugada Syndrome?

Brugada Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects your heart's electrical system. It increases the risk of dangerous abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). In particular, it increases the risk of having ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The condition is often characterized by abnormal patterns seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG) and can lead to an increased risk of fainting and death, particularly in young adults.

Common related conditions

Bradycardia Arrhythmia (Slow Heartbeat) Tachycardia Arrhythmia (Fast Heartbeat) Bradyarrhythmia Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Causes of Brugada Syndrome

Brugada Syndrome is primarily caused by mutations in the SCN5A gene, which encodes a channel that is important for the heart's electrical activity.
These mutations lead to abnormal ion flow in heart cells, which disrupts normal heart rhythm.
The condition is considered an “autosomal dominant pattern,” which means that someone with the condition has a 50 percent chance of passing the condition on to their children.

Risk factors for Brugada Syndrome

Risk factors for Brugada Syndrome include:

A family history of the disorder
Sudden cardiac arrest

Men are more likely to develop the condition than women.
Individuals with a known genetic mutation in the SCN5A gene or those with a family history of arrhythmias, fainting or sudden death are at a higher risk. Brugada Syndrome is usually diagnosed in people under 40, though it can happen at any age.

Symptoms of Brugada Syndrome

Brugada Syndrome may not cause noticeable symptoms until a life-threatening arrhythmia occurs. Common symptoms include:

Fainting (syncope)
Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Sudden cardiac arrest, triggered by fever, certain medications, or alcohol consumption

Some individuals won’t actually show symptoms until a serious arrhythmic event happens.
In many cases, Brugada Syndrome is discovered after a family member experiences a sudden cardiac event, triggering testing being done on members of their family as well.

Diagnosing Brugada Syndrome

Brugada Syndrome is diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (ECG), which typically shows characteristic ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads (V1-V3).
Genetic testing can also confirm the presence of the mutations in the gene or other related genes.
In some cases, drug testing with medications like flecainide or procainamide may be used to unmask the condition in individuals with normal ECGs.

Treatment of Brugada Syndrome

The main treatment for Brugada Syndrome is the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). These devices can detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering electrical shocks to restore a normal rhythm.
Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or prevent arrhythmias, but the ICD is often considered the most effective way to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Lifestyle changes, including avoiding triggers like fever and certain medications, are also recommended.

Brugada Syndrome