Brugada Syndrome: A Cause Of Sudden Death
Brugada syndrome is one of the leading causes of sudden death in the world, but its discovery took place recently. Two brothers named Brugada discovered him in 1992.
The disorder is genetic and consists of a change in the heart’s electrical transmission system. However, the symptoms do not become apparent until adulthood and there are no previous signs of the disease.
The genetic defect in question affects the ion channels of the myocardium, which is the muscle tissue of the heart. These ion channels allow the exchange of positive and negative charges between the inside and outside of myocardial cells. When it fails, the person is more prone to ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular fibrillation is a serious type of arrhythmia. The heart beats uncontrollably at a very fast rate, up to over 200 or 300 beats per minute. This is a fatal arrhythmia if not addressed in time.
Brugada syndrome: signs and symptoms
As mentioned above, Brugada syndrome has no specific symptoms. It is difficult to diagnose and detect, as there are no previous changes to warn of the existence of ion channel alteration.
When the syndrome begins in adults, it occurs directly with a certain degree of severity. Syncope, fainting, palpitations arrhythmia or cardiac arrest may occur.
Once the first episode has taken place, it will be the doctor’s responsibility to suspect the existence of this syndrome. To do this, you need to perform a series of electrocardiograms in search of what is known as the Brugada sign, which we will explain later.
This sign only appears on the electrocardiogram and the patient cannot feel it. Although it is almost impossible to suspect early, there are several risk factors that we can consider to speed up the diagnosis. Among these factors we have:
Diagnostic
Getting a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome is a challenge for any doctor. In addition to the suspicion, the doctor must be insistent enough to detect the condition through specific tests.
The most commonly used test is the electrocardiogram. This is an electrical record of outpatient cardiac activity. This test is useful in detecting the sign of Brugada, a special symptom that warns of the presence of changes in ion channels.
The problem is that not all patients show this sign and not all electrocardiograms record it. The Brugada sign is a large height of a specific segment.
The doctor measures this height in mm. If it exceeds 2 mm and continues with a negative wave (down), then you should suspect Brugada syndrome.
The other test that doctors can request is the electrophysiological study. This is not a complementary analysis that can take place in an office. An operating room is needed to insert a catheter into the body. Surgeons insert a catheter into the heart to record the activity of the organ inside.
Is there a treatment for Brugada syndrome?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to talk about the treatment of Brugada syndrome. Strictly speaking, there is no way to get rid of this condition permanently. What exists is a way to prevent cardiac arrest.
This prevention is achieved by implanting a defibrillator in the patient’s body. This small device records cardiac electrical activity and reacts with an electric shock if it detects ventricular fibrillation.
There are no medications for the syndrome or surgery that doctors can perform to remove defective areas of the heart. Therefore, regular inspections are essential.
