Brugada syndrome
Introduction
Brugada syndrome is an uncommon, but serious, heart condition. It can result in abnormally rapid heart rhythms called arrhythmias, which can cause palpitations or fainting and can be fatal.
However, some people with the condition have no symptoms at all.
Even though the heart pumps and looks normal, it's possible for sudden electrical activityto lead to a dangerous heart rhythm.
This problem can be genetic, or may be passed on in families see What's the cause? below.
Not everyone with Brugada syndrome experiences arrhythmia, but when it does happen, it can be fatal.
This page covers:
What are the signs and symptoms of Brugada syndrome?
Who's affected
What is the underlying cause of Brugada syndrome?
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 11 Jan 2017
Introduction
Brugada syndrome is an uncommon, but serious, heart condition. It can result in abnormally rapid heart rhythms, which can cause palpitations or fainting and can be fatal.
What are the signs and symptoms of Brugada syndrome?
Often, there are no warning signs of Brugada syndrome until an abnormal heart rhythm causes the heartto stop beating(cardiac arrest). Some people may experience symptoms such as: blackouts seizure
How can it be fatal?
Sometimes the abnormal heart rhythm persists, leading to ventricular fibrillation, a rapid, uncoordinated series of heart contractions. Most of the time, this doesn't revert to normal heart rhythm wi
Who's affected
Brugada syndrome typically affects young and middle-aged males who are otherwise healthy, although women can also be affected. It's also more common in young men of Japanese and south east Asian desc
How is it diagnosed?
Ifyour GPthinks you have Brugada syndrome after assessing your symptoms, they may ask you to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) and refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist). This should usually be
How is it treated?
The only proven effective treatment for Brugada syndrome is having an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) fitted. An ICD is similar to a pacemaker. If the ICD senses your heart is beating at a po
Information about you
If you haveBrugada syndrome, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for
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