Brugada syndrome is a rare condition that affects the electrical activity of the heart, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. It can only be diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG) test, and some individuals may never experience symptoms. Those at high risk may manage the condition with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). It is hereditary, and family members of diagnosed individuals should consult a doctor. There is no known cure, and treatment involves monitoring for potential symptoms and maintaining a dialogue with a doctor.
Brugada syndrome is a rare, relatively recently discovered medical condition in which the electrical activity of the heart is impaired, resulting in an atypical heartbeat. The only established method for diagnosing this often genetic condition is an electrocardiogram (ECG) test, but because they may not have symptoms, an individual with Brugada syndrome may never be tested for it. Other individuals with the condition may experience heart palpitations, fainting, or even life-threatening cardiac arrest. While there is no known cure for Brugada syndrome, individuals considered to be at high risk for severe symptoms may be able to manage the condition through the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
Because Brugada syndrome was only first recognized in the late 20th century, the medical community’s understanding of the condition is not yet complete. It is known, however, that the syndrome is caused by an irregularity in the cells that create the electrical impulses that make the heart beat. Usually, a diagnosis of the condition can only be made after an ECG test indicates a pattern of rhythmic irregularity known as Brugada’s sign. Because many of those with the syndrome experience no symptoms, however, their condition can potentially go undiagnosed for years or even their entire lives. Due to the hereditary nature of the syndrome, it is recommended that children, parents and siblings of diagnosed persons consult a doctor regarding ECG testing.
While some individuals with Brugada syndrome are completely unaware of their condition, others experience symptoms of varying frequency and severity. The most common symptoms of the syndrome include heart palpitations, fainting and cardiac arrest. While palpitations can be annoying and fainting can be frightening, cardiac arrest, or heart failure, is undoubtedly the most serious of these symptoms. If heart function is not restored immediately after an episode of cardiac arrest, death will quickly result.
There is no known cure for Brugada syndrome, and no medications have been shown to control it. For people whose Brugada syndrome causes few or no complications, established treatment measures generally include simply monitoring for potential symptoms and maintaining an ongoing dialogue about the condition with your doctor. Individuals diagnosed with Brugada who are considered to be at high risk of death – usually, those who have experienced previous episodes of cardiac arrest – may be able to effectively manage the condition by having an ICD implanted in the chest. This meter automatically monitors your heart rhythm, generating electrical impulses whenever your heartbeat becomes irregular.
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