Brugada Syndrome is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome that affects 1 out of 5000 in the population. It is caused by abnormal electrical recharging of the heart, most commonly due to abnormal channels in heart muscle cells that control the flow of sodium.
Symptoms
Individuals with Brugada Syndrome may have symptoms from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including palpitations, fainting or seizures. Arrhythmias often occur at times of rest or with fevers, and affect men more seriously than women. There is a large amount of variability in the risk of arrhythmias among individuals with Brugada Syndrome, even within the same family.
Family Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Evaluation of the whole family is important since the condition is often passed on to the next generation of a family but may not cause symptoms initially. Brugada Syndrome diagnosis is sometimes complicated, since EKG evidence of the disorder may be only intermittently present. In some cases, medication challenges in a controlled setting are needed to provoke the condition to make a definitive diagnosis. An important part of evaluation is determining the personalized risk level for each individual with Brugada Syndrome and providing guidance in decisions for implantable defibrillators (ICDs) that prevent sudden death in high risk individuals.
Learn more about our Inherited Arrhythmia Team on our Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Arrhythmias Team page.
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment for expert consultation for a suspected or known inherited cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia condition, contact us toll-free at 888-287-1082 and ask to speak with our program nurse coordinator, Barb Steeves. Please visit our Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page for more information about what to expect when you call us.