Brugada syndrome is an uncommon but serious heart rhythm condition that can disrupt the electrical signals in your heart. This disruption can lead to a dangerously fast and chaotic heartbeat, known as arrhythmia. While it can affect anyone, it is more commonly diagnosed in adults and is often inherited. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated. That’s why it is important to identify its symptoms and seek medical treatment. Learn Brugada syndrome symptoms and when to seek help in this article. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.
What Are the Symptoms of Brugada Syndrome?
Many people with Brugada syndrome do not experience any noticeable symptoms. In fact, the condition is often discovered incidentally during an electrocardiogram (ECG) for another issue. However, when Brugada syndrome symptoms do appear, they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Key Warning Signs
Recognizing the signs is crucial. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following, it could be related to Brugada syndrome:
- Fainting (Syncope): Sudden loss of consciousness that can occur without warning.
- Irregular Heartbeats or Palpitations: A fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation in the chest.
- Seizures: Often triggered by an abnormal heart rhythm affecting blood flow to the brain.
- Gasping or Labored Breathing at Night: Difficulty breathing, particularly during sleep.
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Feeling unsteady or as if you are about to faint.
Symptoms can be triggered by certain factors, such as high fever, dehydration, or excessive alcohol consumption. It’s important to note that while these symptoms can be alarming, they are also associated with other heart conditions. A proper medical evaluation is needed to determine the cause.
What Are the Brugada Syndrome Causes?
The primary cause of Brugada syndrome is a genetic mutation. This condition is often inherited, meaning it is passed down through families.
Genetic Factors
Most cases of Brugada syndrome are linked to a mutation in the SCN5A gene, which is responsible for the proper function of sodium channels in the heart muscle cells. These channels control the flow of sodium ions, which generate electrical impulses that regulate your heartbeat. When these channels don’t work correctly, the heart’s rhythm can become unstable. If one of your parents has the faulty gene, you have a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Other Contributing Factors
While genetics play a major role, other factors can sometimes cause or unmask Brugada syndrome. These include:
- Certain Medications: Some drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and other conditions can trigger arrhythmias in susceptible individuals.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: High or low levels of potassium or calcium in the blood can affect the heart’s electrical stability.
- Cocaine Use: This illicit drug is known to have significant effects on heart rhythm and can provoke Brugada syndrome.
- High Fever: A significant increase in body temperature can act as a trigger.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Brugada syndrome, such as fainting or heart palpitations. You should also seek medical advice if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome or died suddenly and unexpectedly from a cardiac event.
A cardiologist can perform the necessary tests, such as an ECG, to diagnose the condition. If a diagnosis is confirmed, they will develop a personalized treatment plan. This may involve avoiding certain medications, managing fevers promptly, and in some cases, implanting a device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). An ICD monitors your heart rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs.
Living with Brugada syndrome requires careful management and regular follow-ups with your healthcare team. So, make sure that if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms, you seek immediate professional help.
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