Brugada Syndrome is not a mystery or a curse, but a hidden danger that can occur during sleep. Many never wake up and pass away before the dawn of a new day arrives. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial key to preventing this unexpected event.
Brugada Syndrome
Brugada Syndrome is a genetic disorder, specifically affecting the control of electrical charge flow (Ion Channel) in and out of the heart muscle cells. This leads to a severe type of arrhythmia called 'Ventricular Fibrillation' (VF), where the heart cannot pump blood to the body. Patients risk sudden death while asleep if they do not receive timely assistance.
Factors that Promote Arrhythmia
- High fever
- Stress and insufficient rest
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Use of sleeping pills or certain medications that affect the heart's electrical system, such as antidepressants or cannabis extracts
- Potassium deficiency
Warning Signs and Symptoms to Heed
- A family history of sudden death while sleeping
- Stiffness and restlessness
- Gasping for air, irregular heartbeat, or rattling breathing sounds during sleep
- Fainting or collapsing while resting or not engaging in heavy activity
If you or a family member has such a history, you should consult a doctor for further diagnosis.
Diagnosis: The First Step to Understanding
Diagnosing Brugada Syndrome requires a detailed and accurate examination using important tools such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), which will show a specific abnormal electrical pattern (Brugada Pattern)
- Drug Challenge Test to aid in diagnosis
- Echocardiogram
- Holter Monitoring (Continuous heart rhythm recording)
Additionally, a doctor may consider:
- Detailed family history taking as this condition is hereditary
- Genetic testing to confirm the abnormal gene that causes Brugada Syndrome. If the test results indicate a high risk, an electrophysiologist will provide close self-care guidance.
Treatment and Care
The doctor will plan appropriate treatment based on the symptoms, including care and prevention in various ways:
- Reducing and avoiding triggers such as promptly lowering a high fever, reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding heavy meals high in carbohydrates and energy, and preventing low potassium levels in the blood.
- Implantation of an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (AICD) serves as a safety cut-off when a severe arrhythmia occurs. The device constantly monitors the heart rate and delivers a shock to restore a normal rhythm.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RF Ablation) A doctor uses high-frequency radio waves delivered through a catheter to destroy the focus of the abnormal heart rhythm. This is considered for cases with frequent severe arrhythmias.
