Brugada (brew-GAH-dah) syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening heart rhythm condition (arrhythmia) that is sometimes inherited.

People with Brugada syndrome have an increased risk of irregular heart rhythms beginning in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

Treatment of Brugada syndrome includes preventive measures such as reducing fever and avoiding medications that might trigger the arrhythmia. Some people with Brugada syndrome need a medical device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Brugada syndrome often doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Many people with Brugada syndrome don’t know they have it.

Signs and symptoms that may be associated with Brugada syndrome include:

A major sign of Brugada syndrome is an irregular result on an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Brugada syndrome signs and symptoms are similar to those of some other heart rhythm disorders. It’s important that you see a health care provider to find out if Brugada syndrome or another heart rhythm disorder is causing symptoms.

If you faint and you think it may be because of a heart condition, seek emergency medical attention.

If your parent, sibling or child has been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, you may want to ask your provider if you should have testing to see if you’re at risk of Brugada syndrome.

Brugada syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder. Each beat of the heart is triggered by an electrical signal made by special cells in the right upper chamber of the heart. Tiny pores, called channels, on each of these cells direct this electrical activity, which makes the heart beat.

In Brugada syndrome, a change in these channels causes the heart to beat too fast, creating a dangerous heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation).

As a result, the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to the rest of the body. An irregular rhythm that lasts for a short time can cause fainting. Sudden cardiac death can occur if the irregular heartbeat doesn’t stop.

Brugada syndrome may be caused by:

Risk factors for Brugada syndrome include:

Complications of Brugada syndrome require emergency medical care. Brugada syndrome complications include:

If someone in your family has Brugada syndrome, genetic testing can be done to determine if you have, or are at risk of, the condition.

Brugada syndrome usually is diagnosed in adults and, sometimes, in adolescents. It’s rarely diagnosed in young children because the symptoms are often unnoticed.

To diagnose Brugada syndrome, a health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart with a stethoscope. Tests are done to check the heartbeat and diagnose or confirm Brugada syndrome.

Treatment for Brugada syndrome may include medication, catheter procedures or surgery to implant a device that controls the heartbeat. Brugada syndrome treatment depends on the risk of having a serious irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Being at high risk involves having:

If you have Brugada syndrome but no symptoms, you may not need specific treatment because the risk of a serious irregular heartbeat is likely low. However, a health care provider might recommend taking steps to reduce the risk of irregular heartbeats.

Medications

Some people with Brugada syndrome are prescribed medications, such as quinidine, to prevent a potentially dangerous heart rhythm. These drugs may be prescribed alone or with a medical device — called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) — that controls the heartbeat.

Surgery or other procedures

People with Brugada syndrome who’ve had cardiac arrest or a worrisome fainting episode may need surgery or a catheter procedure.

If you have Brugada syndrome, you need regular health checkups to make sure the heart rhythm disorder is properly managed and controlled. Regular checkups can help your provider detect complications early and determine if a treatment change is needed.

Finding out you have Brugada syndrome may be challenging. You may worry about whether your treatment will work or whether other family members could be at risk.

Turning to friends and family for support is essential. If you find you need more help, talk to your health care provider about joining a support group. Connecting with others in a support group may help ease stress related to Brugada syndrome.

It’s likely to take several appointments with your health care provider to confirm a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome and its severity. Your provider may give you instructions on how to prepare before each visit.

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your first appointment.

What you can do

For Brugada syndrome, some basic questions to ask include:

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

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