Brugada syndrome

Overview

Brugada syndrome is an uncommon disorder that results in an irregular heart rhythm in the lower heart chambers or ventricles. Brugada syndrome can be inherited.

Brugada syndrome can trigger ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood to the brain.

The abnormal heartbeat might result in syncope and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This frequently occurs while one is resting or sleeping.

Cardiologists made the discovery of Brugada syndrome in 1992, and since then, ongoing research continues to explore this condition and its potential remedies. At present, treatment options involve carefully managing fever and avoiding medications that may trigger arrhythmias. Considering the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in some people with Brugada syndrome. Researchers are diligently working to advance our understanding of the syndrome and develop more effective treatments.

Symptoms

More than 70% of Brugada syndrome patients have no symptoms. Most people with Brugada syndrome are unaware that they have it. Occasionally, the problem is discovered by an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that monitors the electrical activity of the heart.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Syncope, or fainting
• Excessive gasping and laborious breathing, especially at night
• Heart palpitations, a fluttering or flip-flopping sensation in your chest
• Ventricular arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm that develops in your heart’s bottom chambers
• Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a rapid and irregular heart rhythm originating in the upper chambers of the heart.
• Cardiac arrest can serve as the initial symptom and the underlying cause for some infants and children with Brugada syndrome who tragically pass away in their sleep.
• Seizures

The signs and symptoms of Brugada syndrome are similar to those of other heart rhythm abnormalities. It is critical to see a doctor to figure out what’s causing the issue.

If someone experiences a loss of consciousness and suspects it could be related to a heart condition, it is of utmost importance to seek urgent medical assistance immediately.

For individuals with a family history of Brugada syndrome, especially if a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with the condition, it is strongly advised to undergo consultation and testing with a healthcare professional. Early detection and appropriate management can be crucial in ensuring the best possible outcomes for those at risk.

Immediate medical care is necessary in the event of cardiac arrest. If an individual is unable to call for help themselves, it is crucial for someone in their vicinity to assist. For those at risk of cardiac arrest, it is recommended to encourage family members to undergo CPR training and to contact emergency services. Informing coworkers about the vulnerability can also be beneficial in case assistance is needed.

Causes

Approximately 70% of patients with Brugada syndrome have no known genetic mutation. Others, on the other hand, have a genetic mutation in one of 18 or more genes. These mutations disrupt the conduction of cardiac signals in the heart.

Brugada syndrome is a cardiac arrhythmia that can result in a hazardous heart rhythm or ventricular fibrillation. An alteration in the channels responsible for guiding the electrical activity in the heart causes the heart to beat too quickly.

Consequently, insufficient blood is pumped by the heart to the other parts of the body. Temporary episodes of an irregular heartbeat can lead to fainting. If the irregular heart rhythm persists, it can potentially result in sudden cardiac death.

Generally, possible causes of this condition include:

• A structural heart condition that may be difficult to detect
• An imbalance of electrolytes that aid in the transmission of electrical signals through the body
• Use of cocaine or some certain medications

Risk factors

Risk factors for Brugada syndrome include:

• Family history: Having Brugada syndrome in one’s family raises one’s chances of getting it as well. The condition can be inherited with just one copy of an afflicted gene from one parent. Any child with a Brugada-related gene mutation has a 50% probability of inheriting it.
• Gender: Brugada syndrome is more common in individuals who are born male. Men are eight to ten times more likely to have the illness than women.
• Race: This medical condition appears to be more prevalent in Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Fever: Brugada syndrome symptoms may be triggered by a fever, which is why individuals with this condition should promptly address fevers. Fever can potentially irritate the heart and lead to fainting or sudden cardiac arrest, especially in young individuals. However, it’s important to note that fever alone does not cause Brugada syndrome. The condition is a distinct and separate genetic cardiac disorder that can be exacerbated by fever in susceptible individuals.