syndrome BRugada is a heart rhythm disorder caused by a genetic disorder. Brugada syndrome oftenOften times it does not cause symptoms, but it can make the sufferer experience sudden cardiac arrest.
An irregular heart rhythm will make the heart unable to pump blood throughout the body optimally. Although it often does not cause complaints, some people with Brugada syndrome can feel complaints of palpitations and shortness of breath.
Brugada syndrome is rare, but is one of the leading causes of sudden death in infants and adults.
Symptoms of Brugada Syndrome
Brugada syndrome often does not cause any symptoms. But in some patients, Brugada syndrome can show symptoms that are not much different from other heart rhythm disorders, such as:
- Dizzy
- Faint
- Chest pain
- Heart beat
- Hard to breathe
- Seizures
These symptoms can appear at any age, but are more common at the age of 30-40 years. Symptoms of Brugada syndrome can also appear as a result of being triggered by fever, dehydration, and excessive alcohol consumption.
When to go to the doctor
If you have a family member who suffers from Brugada syndrome, you should see a cardiologist so that this disease can be detected and treated as early as possible to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
If you experience symptoms of Brugada syndrome, such as palpitations or seizures, consult a doctor immediately.
Meanwhile, in patients with Brugada syndrome who experience sudden cardiac arrest, help should be given as quickly as possible with CPR and AED. After that, immediately take the patient to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.
Causes and Risk Factors of Brugada Syndrome
Brugada syndrome occurs due to changes or mutations in one or more genes that play a role in maintaining a normal heart rhythm. The mutated gene is passed down from one parent. This condition is more common in men than women.
The appearance of symptoms of Brugada Syndrome is also thought to be triggered and exacerbated by the following conditions:
- Electrolyte disturbance.
- Side effects of drugs, such as antiarrhythmic drugs, hypertension drugs, and antidepressant drugs.
- Cocaine abuse.
- Fever.
Diagnosis of Brugada Syndrome
To find out if a patient has Brugada syndrome, the doctor will ask about the symptoms that appear, and whether there are relatives of the patient who have had a similar condition. The doctor will also perform a physical examination by listening to the heartbeat and rhythm of the heart through a stethoscope, as well as the following examinations:
- Record your heart or electrocardiogram (ECG), which can be helped with medication.
- Cardiac catheterization, to check the heart rhythm.
- Gene examination, to determine the presence of genetic mutations.
Brugada Syndrome Treatment
The main method of treating Brugada syndrome is the implant of an automatic cardiac shock device (ICD) under the collarbone. This device is connected to the heart via blood vessels, to monitor the heart rate. If the heart rate is abnormal, the ICD will send a shock signal to bring the heart rate back to normal.
Please note, the ICD can send a shock signal even if the patient's heart rate is normal. To reduce the risk of this happening, patients need to have regular check-ups with the doctor.
In addition to the ICD, the cardiologist will also give antiarrhythmic drugs to make the patient's heart rate return to normal.
