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Brugada Syndrome
I don't involve myself with heart rhythm disorders here because I do not like to dwell on the thoughts of them. Sometimes it is like a self-fulfilling prophecy, or something akin to this phenomena. But I ran across this article and wanted you guys to be aware of this. It can be masked, but brought on by drugs or alcohol. It is scary and if I were young and had arrhythmias, I would force a doctor to rule it out ASAP!
You all may be aware of this syndrome, but I had never heard of it. Don't let this info freak you out. Just see your doctor if you are worried. It may not be prevelant in this country. It can be caused by hypokalemia (low potassium) and I think we all get enough in the USA, in general, except for people like me that takes medicines like Lasix which deplete potassium.
It is important to have your electrolytes checked on a regular basis if you have an arrhythmia.
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Published online before print January 17, 2005, doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000152479.54298.51
Since its introduction as a clinical entity in 1992, the Brugada syndrome has progressed from being a rare disease to one that is second only to automobile accidents as a cause of death among young adults in some countries.
Electrocardiographically characterized by a distinct ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads, the syndrome is associated with a high risk for sudden cardiac death in young and otherwise healthy adults, and less frequently in infants and children. Patients with a spontaneously appearing Brugada ECG have a high risk for sudden arrhythmic death secondary to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. The ECG manifestations of Brugada syndrome are often dynamic or concealed and may be unmasked (brought on) or modulated by sodium channel blockers, a febrile state, vagotonic agents, adrenergic agonists, ß-adrenergic blockers, tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants, a combination of glucose and insulin, hypo- and hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and alcohol and cocaine toxicity.
More info at:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/111/5/659?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=One+mm+hoizonal+ST+dpression+inferolaterally+&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
You all may be aware of this syndrome, but I had never heard of it. Don't let this info freak you out. Just see your doctor if you are worried. It may not be prevelant in this country. It can be caused by hypokalemia (low potassium) and I think we all get enough in the USA, in general, except for people like me that takes medicines like Lasix which deplete potassium.
It is important to have your electrolytes checked on a regular basis if you have an arrhythmia.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Published online before print January 17, 2005, doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000152479.54298.51
Since its introduction as a clinical entity in 1992, the Brugada syndrome has progressed from being a rare disease to one that is second only to automobile accidents as a cause of death among young adults in some countries.
Electrocardiographically characterized by a distinct ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads, the syndrome is associated with a high risk for sudden cardiac death in young and otherwise healthy adults, and less frequently in infants and children. Patients with a spontaneously appearing Brugada ECG have a high risk for sudden arrhythmic death secondary to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. The ECG manifestations of Brugada syndrome are often dynamic or concealed and may be unmasked (brought on) or modulated by sodium channel blockers, a febrile state, vagotonic agents, adrenergic agonists, ß-adrenergic blockers, tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants, a combination of glucose and insulin, hypo- and hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and alcohol and cocaine toxicity.
More info at:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/111/5/659?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=One+mm+hoizonal+ST+dpression+inferolaterally+&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
I m 21 years old and am currently being tested for Brugada specifically. I went and saw a Experienced cardiologist who was able to see it on my ekgs when er doctors were not. Its an extra little bump right after your strong heartbeat. google images will explain this well. the reason my doctors are concerned for it is because my strong palpitations and skipped beats are brought on by exercise. and rarely during my sleep. Which are the 2 times brugada strikes and kills the most. THE SURE WAY to tell is a genetic blood test that your cardiologist will send you out for. If the test is positive you have it, if the test comes back negative there is a 30% chance you do have it as well but cant be picked up by the blood test. I am also on an event monitor to monitor my irregular beats for 30 days. Its definitely not a syndrome to joke around with. Ive had symptoms for 8 months now and all doctors wrote it off as anxiety. so always get a second opinion and if you see a cardiologist ask for brugada testing. hope this helps
Brugada syndrome: What are the signs and symptoms?
What does Brugada sign mean? My 16-year-old son has this but has no symptoms. Is this unusual?
Mayo Clinic cardiologist Martha Grogan, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
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.
For high-risk individuals, treatment may include an implantable defibrillator. This small device continuously monitors your heart rhythm and delivers precisely calibrated electrical shocks when needed to control abnormal heartbeats.
What does Brugada sign mean? My 16-year-old son has this but has no symptoms. Is this unusual?
Mayo Clinic cardiologist Martha Grogan, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
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.
For high-risk individuals, treatment may include an implantable defibrillator. This small device continuously monitors your heart rhythm and delivers precisely calibrated electrical shocks when needed to control abnormal heartbeats.
I've had 12 lead EKGs during my tachycardia and palpitation episodes, so I'm fairly certain I do not have this. I am not worried about it because I really believe it would've been diagnosed already if I had it. Yes, this is something to look out for, but I'm sure all of our cardiologists are aware about it and have made sure to rule it out as they don't want to miss something and get sued should we drop dead.
Alot of the arrythmia disorders can be missed on ECGs because they can come and go. They are more often missed that caught on ECGs. This is true with Brugada Syndrome and especially Long QT Syndrome. There are some links between Brugada Syndrome and Long QT Syndrome Type 3. Anyone with symptoms during stress, exercise or sleep should go see an electrophysiologist.
Carri, hon, you really need to stop trying to find something that will mean you are going to die.
It would have shown on your EKG.. it is in countries in ASIA that it is such a common cause of death.
It would have shown on your EKG.. it is in countries in ASIA that it is such a common cause of death.
So please tell me that if I had that they would have seen in on any of the numerous EKG's I had. I hate reading things like that. I get all panicky.
I take Lasix too, and a Potassium pill along with it, plus I eat a banana a day and some raisins and my Potassium level is excellent. Doctors usually prescribe a Potassium pill when prescribing Lasix.
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