Brugada Syndrome

Question: Are asymptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome really out of risk? Will a patient with an ST segment elevation not present any symptoms.What are the natural conditions which unmask any hidden ST eleveation cause by this syndrome.What are the symptoms and and how long they last before causing ventricular fiberralition.What are the chances of survival in such cases.

Answer: The term "Brugada sign" refers to an abnormality on an electrocardiogram (ECG) — a test that records the electrical activity of your heart — that may indicate Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome is a genetic disorder in which an abnormality in the heart's electrical system causes life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). It's possible — and even common — to have a Brugada sign without having Brugada syndrome. In these cases, a Brugada sign may result, for instance, from a structural abnormality in your heart, electrolyte abnormalities, or the effects of certain prescription medications or cocaine use. However, if you have a Brugada sign and also have a history of fainting, a history of serious arrhythmias, or a family history of sudden cardiac death, it's likely that you have Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome is an inherited condition that occurs most often in men. It also occurs with increased frequency in Asians. Each beat of your heart is triggered by an electrical impulse generated by special cells in the right upper chamber of your heart. Tiny pores, called channels, on each of these cells direct this electrical activity. In Brugada syndrome, a defect in these channels causes episodes of abnormal electrical function. During these episodes, the pumping function of the heart is impaired. This decreases blood flow to the brain, causing fainting. It may also lead to chaotic, uncoordinated electrical activity (ventricular fibrillation), which causes the heart to quiver and stop pumping blood. Sudden death usually follows — unless the heart receives an immediate electrical shock from a device called a defibrillator. Treatment of Brugada syndrome depends on the risk of arrhythmia. Those considered at high risk have: A family history of sudden cardiac death A personal history of serious heart rhythm problems A personal history of severe fainting spells Your doctor may recommend additional testing to further evaluate your risk of dangerous heart rhythms. Electrophysiologists thread electrodes attached to a long, thin tube (catheter) through a vein in the arm or leg and into the heart. The electrodes record how electrical impulses spread through the heart. For high-risk individuals, treatment may include medications and/or an implantable defibrillator. This small device continuously monitors your heart rhythm and delivers precisely calibrated electrical shocks when needed to control abnormal heartbeats. I hope this helps. Good luck. See this link for more information http://www.baylorhealth.edu/proceedings/…

Question: Brugada syndrome: What are the signs and symptoms?

Answer: http://www.brugada.org/about/about.html That took about THREE SECONDS to look up.................

Question: My doctor tell me to do an electrophysiology study. How safe is it ? I have been diagonzed with Brugada Syndrome and the doc wants to see what my potential are for a V Fib. And if so implant a ICD.

Answer: This a very safe study, that is done on a control surrounding. This is done to see how is your heart "electrical wiring" doing and if there is a potential for a "short circuit" (V-fib). Bear in mind Fibrillation means that the heart can't pump blood because it is "cramping" and if not reverted within minutes, it is a cause of dead. I should be more worried about having Brugada than to have the study. Anyway Good Luck

Question: Does anyone know how long an ICD device would last before needing a replacement and what the long term effects I am 30 yrs old and my EP is suggesting that I get an ICD fitted to protect me from Brugada Syndrome (i.e getting V Fib)

Answer: You are only a year older than me. I had one inserted a little over a year ago because my sister died and I have the same heart disease. There is a small risk I might die in a similar fashion. Not many long term side effects. The leads they put into your heart will increase the risk of future heart problems developments a small amount according to studies. There is this uncomfortable metal box in my shoulder that itches if I do a lot of repetitive movement under load with that arm. The hospital takes 350 plus dollars per checkup for the ICD and that is only done with a nurse, no doctor present at the checkup. Otherwise there really isn't much for problems. They are suppose to last 6 years, if they do nothing. The more work they do the less time an ICD generator will last.