MANILA, Philippines - Sudden unexpected deaths have baffled many through the years, but recent research has finally linked this condition to a heart condition called Brugada Syndrome.
Brugada Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening heart disorder characterized by a specific electrocardiogram finding called a Brugada pattern. This condition was first recognized in 1992 and found to be frequently an inherited condition. To date, one in 2,000 people suffers from Brugada Syndrome worldwide.
“Today, the Brugada Syndrome has been recognized to be a vital cause in sudden cardiac deaths in young people. As it is a genetic condition, people who can be at risk to develop this need to arm themselves with necessary knowledge on the disease so that as early as possible they could avoid the potentially fatal trigger factors,” says Dr. Byron K. Lee, an electrophysiologist from the UCSF Medical Center, who was in the country recently to share his expertise on the subject in the lay forum organized by the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.
According to Dr. Lee, a person who may have Brugada Syndrome is often unaware of his condition. It is important to know that if a member of the family or close family relative dies of sudden unexpected death, it is most likely that the condition is already genetically passed on to other members of the family and thus they should also be screened for the presence of such condition.
If you think you have Brugada Syndrome, Dr. Lee shares the following signs to determine if you have Brugada Syndrome. The most important sign is the presence of a specific pattern seen on ECG called Brugada pattern (type I-type III) which is accompanied by the presence of possible VT or VF. Brugada Syndrome is also mostly present in males who are about 30 to 40 years old and potentially poses a risk to those who retire after a heavy meal.
But Dr. Lee warns that it’s possible to have a Brugada sign without having Brugada Syndrome. Possible symptoms that could mean you have one are: fainting or syncope; seizure; irregular heartbeats or palpitations and sudden cardiac arrest.
Adds Dr. Lee: “It is important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms to rule out other heart rhythm problems.”
Treatment of this condition, Dr. Lee further explains, depends on the risk of an abnormal heartbeat. The nature of heart rhythm abnormality merits the Brugada Syndrome to be untreatable when using medications. But a medical device called implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is usually recommended for people at high risk of sudden cardiac death or other complications of Brugada Syndrome. This implanted device continuously monitors heart rhythm and delivers electrical shocks when needed to control abnormal heartbeats.
As Brugada Syndrome has just been discovered recently, research and studies are ongoing to establish further the causes and risk factors and discover other treatments. One such ongoing study was disclosed by Dr. Giselle Gervacio, an electrophysiologist who is currently doing a study on SUDS or Sudden Unexplained Death Syndrome and its prevalence among Filipinos.
“The study also aims to shed light on the true nature of sudden deaths caused by bangungot and its connection with Brugada Syndrome. Through this study, we aim to educate Filipinos to understand further their risk, preventive measures and treatment options for this condition,” adds Dr. Gervacio.
If you think you are at risk for Brugada Syndrome, Dr. Gervacio recommends setting an appointment with your doctor to further understand your condition and the proper medical actions to undertake to receive treatment.