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PubMed This is a summary of 90 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Cardiology

Brugada Syndrome: A Patient's Guide

At a Glance

Brugada syndrome is an inherited electrical heart condition that causes an increased risk for dangerous heart rhythms. While serious, it is highly manageable by avoiding specific triggers like high fevers and certain medications, and by working with a cardiologist on appropriate treatments.

Welcome to the Patient Advocacy Resource for Brugada syndrome. Receiving a diagnosis of a genetic heart condition can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to understand your condition, manage your triggers, and live a full, safe life [1].

Brugada syndrome is an inherited condition that affects the electrical system of your heart, creating a risk for dangerous, fast heart rhythms [2]. However, for most patients, this is a highly manageable condition once you know the rules. By understanding what triggers the electrical instability—such as fevers or certain medications—you can stay out of harm’s way [3][4].

This guide is broken down into specific topics to help you navigate your care journey. You can read them in order, or jump to the sections most relevant to you right now.

01

Understanding Your Brugada Syndrome Diagnosis

Learn about your Brugada syndrome diagnosis, an inherited heart arrhythmia. Understand your risk factors, common triggers like fever, and how to stay safe.

02

Symptoms and Triggers: Staying Ahead of Your Diagnosis

Learn the critical symptoms and dangerous triggers of Brugada syndrome. Understand why fevers, sleep, and alcohol can unmask this hidden heart condition.

03

The Biology and Genetics of Brugada Syndrome

Learn about the biology and genetics of Brugada syndrome. Understand SCN5A mutations, sodium channels, inheritance patterns, and why family screening matters.

04

The Road to Diagnosis: ECGs, Tests, and Scores

Learn how Brugada syndrome is diagnosed. Understand Type 1 and Type 2 ECG patterns, provocation testing, the Shanghai score, and Brugada phenocopies.

05

Managing Your Risk: Standard Treatments and Care

Learn about standard Brugada syndrome treatments, including ICDs, quinidine medication, catheter ablation, and crucial lifestyle changes for managing your risk.

06

Living Safely: Fever, Medications, and Procedures

Learn how to live safely with Brugada syndrome. Discover crucial rules for managing fevers, checking medications on BrugadaDrugs.org, and preparing for surgery.

07

Your Personal Risk and Long-Term Outlook

Understand your Brugada syndrome risk level and long-term outlook. Learn about high vs. low risk, ECG markers, EPS testing, and managing your prognosis.

Knowledge is your greatest protection. Take a deep breath, take your time, and use this guide to prepare for productive, empowering conversations with your medical team.

Common questions in this guide

How is Brugada syndrome treated?
Treatments for Brugada syndrome range from careful monitoring to medications like quinidine or procedures such as catheter ablation. In many cases, doctors may recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to continuously monitor and protect your heart rhythm.
How can I stay safe with Brugada syndrome?
The most important step in managing your condition is strictly avoiding known triggers that disrupt your heart's electrical system. This means aggressively reducing fevers as soon as they develop and avoiding specific medications known to be unsafe for Brugada patients.
What causes Brugada syndrome?
Brugada syndrome is a genetic condition passed down through families. It is most commonly linked to variations in the SCN5A gene, which affects the sodium channels that control the electrical activity in your heart.
Should my family members be tested for Brugada syndrome?
Because Brugada syndrome is an inherited condition, your close biological relatives should be screened. Your doctor can recommend the best approach for evaluating your family members, which typically involves ECG tests and potentially genetic screening.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Based on my specific diagnosis, what are my most important next steps?
  2. 2.Should I be evaluated for an ICD, or are we taking a watchful waiting approach?
  3. 3.How should my family members be screened for Brugada syndrome?
  4. 4.Who should I call if I develop a high fever after hours?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

References

References (4)
  1. 1

    Key clinical features a general internist needs to know about Brugada syndrome: a case-based discussion.

    Fan W, Chachula L, Wu Y, Khalighi K

    Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives 2015; (5(3)):27241 doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.27241.

    PMID: 26091654
  2. 2

    Epicardial Ablation in Brugada Syndrome.

    Lambiase PD, Providência R

    Cardiac electrophysiology clinics 2020; (12(3)):345-356 doi:10.1016/j.ccep.2020.04.006.

    PMID: 32771188
  3. 3

    Cardiac Arrest Due to Brugada Syndrome Associated With Influenza Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

    Ono R, Hori Y, Yamazaki T, et al.

    Cureus 2023; (15(4)):e37158 doi:10.7759/cureus.37158.

    PMID: 37168174
  4. 4

    [A man with fever-dependent ECG abnormalities].

    de Jong Y, Bilsen M, Grauss RW

    Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde 2019; (163()).

    PMID: 30816649

This guide provides educational information about Brugada syndrome and trigger management. It does not replace professional medical advice, so always consult your cardiologist or electrophysiologist about your specific treatment and safety plan.

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