Overview

What is Brugada Syndrome in adults?

Brugada syndrome (brew- GAH- dah) is a rare but potentially life-threatening heart rhythm condition (arrhythmia) that can be inherited. People with Brugada syndrome are at advanced threat for irregular heart measures that start in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

What are the symptoms of Brugada Syndrome?

Symptoms of Brugada syndrome can occur at any age and include -

Ventricular arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat that starts in the lower part of the heart).
Blackout (fainting).
Dizziness.
Difficulty breathing.
Number of seizures.
Pulsations (which may feel like your heart is pounding or thumping in your chest).
Atrial fibrillation (a presto, irregular heart meter that starts in the upper chambers of the heart).
Cardiac arrest.

It is the first symptom and may be the reason why some babies and children with the Brugada pattern die in their sleep. The symptoms of the Brugada syndrome are similar to other conditions. It's important to see a doctor to determine your symptoms.

More than 70 percent of people with Brugada syndrome have no symptoms. Sometimes, a doctor may discover the condition during an electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the heart's electrical exertion. People with Brugada syndrome frequently have a recognizable syndrome on their ECG prints (the Brugada pattern).

What causes Brugada Syndrome?

Brugada syndrome is a heart arrhythmia. Each heartbeat is caused by electrical signals produced by special cells in the upper right chamber of the heart. Small holes called channels in each cell direct the electrical exertion that makes the heartbeat. In the Brugada channel, changes in these channels cause the heart to beat faster, creating a dangerous heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation). As a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. However, it can cause fainting if the arrhythmia continues for a short time. However, unforeseen cardiac death can occur if the arrhythmia isn't stopped.

Brugada syndrome also includes:

A structural problem with the heart that's hard to describe.
Imbalances of chemicals (electrolytes) that help shoot electrical signals throughout the body.
Taking certain traditional medicines, capsules, or cocaine.

How is Brugada syndrome diagnosed?

To diagnose the Brugada syndrome, a healthcare provider will:

Perform a physical test.
Review your medical history.
Review your family history, especially a history of unforeseen cardiac death.

What tests will be done to diagnose Brugada syndrome?

Tests for the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome. It may include an ECG, genetic testing, and specialized cardiac testing such as an electrophysiology study. The Brugada syndrome includes:

Inheritable testing: This can confirm the presence of a specific inheritable mutation indicating Brugada syndrome. Other family members may also conclude for this test.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test records the electrical exertion that causes your heart to beat. Sometimes, the Brugada syndrome may not appear initially. So that the test can be performed twice. The provider may budge the leads between tests to capture the syndrome. An EKG may also be done before and after consuming a large mess.
EKG with medication: Before conducting an EKG, your doctor may administer medication that helps the Brugada syndrome appear on the EKG printout if you have the condition. This may be referred to as a drug challenge test.

Based on your EKG results, you may also need to undergo this test-

Electrophysiology (EP) testing- Doctors insert catheters into your heart via your femoral (leg) veins to measure electrical activity inside your heart. This test may be conducted if your diagnosis is uncertain after earlier tests.
Lab tests- These tests check for a normal potassium-calcium balance and can exclude other causes of an abnormal heart rhythm.

What is the treatment of Brugada Syndrome?

Brugada syndrome does not have a cure, but there are ways to manage it and reduce the threat of serious complications. Doctors will confirm treatment based on your threat factors.

Medication:

Some medications can help regulate your heartbeat and lower your threat of arrhythmias.

Surgery or Procedure:

People with Brugada syndrome who witness cardiac arrest or fainting occurrences may undergo surgery or catheterization.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): If you are at high threat of unforeseen cardiac arrest, a doctor might recommend an ICD. This device monitors your heart rhythm and delivers a shock if it detects a dangerous rhythm.

Catheter ablation: If an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) does not effectively and safely control the symptoms of Brugada syndrome, a procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation may be an option. A long, flexible tube (catheter) is fitted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. The catheter delivers high energy that scars or destroys the heart tissue, causing an irregular heartbeat.

Still, if you have Brugada syndrome, you should have regular medical checks to ensure that your heart rhythm disorder is being duly treated and managed. Regular check-ups can help your doctor describe any complications.

Living With

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor at least once a year. However, if you have an ICD, your doctor should check the device at least twice a year.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Brugada syndrome?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Brugada Syndrome.