Brugada Syndrome in Adults
Created by the Heart Rhythm Society
Originally Published
June 1, 2020
Last Update
Jan 6, 2022
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What is Brugada Syndrome?
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a disruption in the heart’s electrical system. It does not usually change the shape of the heart muscle, but it changes how electricity flows through it.
Understanding Brugada Syndrome
What is Brugada Syndrome?
BrS is a rare electrical heart condition. It affects the channels (or tiny gates) that let electricity move in and out of heart cells. Because the gates are not working properly, the heart can sometimes fall into a dangerously fast and irregular rhythm.
Brugada Syndrome usually shows up in someone’s 30s or 40s, and many people do not even know they have it until it is detected on a routine test or until a family member is diagnosed.
Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms of BrS may include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Sudden death
- Some patients experience no symptoms at all
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What “type” of Brugada Syndrome do I have? (“Spontaneous” BrS may be considered higher risk than “induced” BrS)
- How does my family history impact my treatment plan?
- Do I need an electrophysiology (EP) study?
- What medications are critical to avoid? (Visit BrugadaDrugs.org for more information)
- How should I treat fevers? (Fever can be a major trigger for BrS arrhythmias)
- Are there any exercises I should restrict?
- Am I a candidate for an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator)?
Risk Factors
Some occurrences may consider someone with Brugada Syndrome to be at higher risk for a cardiac event. These include
- Previous Cardiac Arrest
- Unexplained Fainting
- A Spontaneous Type 1 ECG Pattern
- Gender (BrS is more common and may be more aggressive in males)
- Family History
Complications of Brugada Syndrome
The primary complications of BrS are usually sudden, electrical events or side effects of treatments being used to manage the condition (such as complications with an ICD).
The most serious complication of BrS is a life-threatening heart rhythm, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or even death. Neurological damage can also occur if someone experiences a cardiac event that deprives the brain of oxygen for several minutes.